Festus Keyamo announces crackdown on airport touts

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has assured travelers that the issue of touts at Nigeria’s international airports will be addressed.

Speaking at the Ministerial Sectoral Press Briefings on Monday, Keyamo highlighted the significant embarrassment these touts cause the country.

Keyamo explained that there are two types of touts at international airports: those inside the airports and those outside. He emphasized that the internal touts are more problematic and will require armed security to remove them.

“These touts inside the airports are a national embarrassment and show no respect for their uniforms,” Keyamo stated. He described them as “official touts” in uniforms who engage in inappropriate behavior, such as rummaging through bags and soliciting money.

Keyamo also mentioned the presence of “non-official touts” outside the airports. He noted that there have been numerous disgraceful incidents captured on social media involving these touts, which, although not directly under his ministry’s purview, still affect the airport environment.

To tackle the problem, Keyamo said they are collaborating with the Interior Ministry and the National Security Adviser. He mentioned the potential need for a joint memorandum to minimize human contact at airports, suggesting that all relevant agencies operate behind glass doors to prevent public embarrassment.

“We are addressing this issue and will soon present a comprehensive solution,” Keyamo assured.