The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has issued a firm directive to tanker drivers, limousine operators, bus parks, and other informal business owners operating illegally along the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, road in Lagos to vacate the area without delay, warning that enforcement action will commence soon.

FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, gave the warning during a media briefing held at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos as part of activities marking the 2025 FAAN Safety Week.

Kuku expressed concern that despite multiple notices, formal letters, and direct engagements, several unauthorised operators had continued to occupy the airport corridor, describing their activities as unsafe and detrimental to both aviation operations and the environment.

“We have major encroachers along the airport road, tanker drivers, limousine operators, and commercial bus drivers, who have been repeatedly advised to vacate those locations. Their continued presence poses serious safety and environmental risks,” she stated.

The FAAN boss added that beyond obstructing vehicular movement and compromising safety standards, the illegal operations have contributed significantly to pollution and poor sanitation around the airport axis.

She disclosed that the agency recently conducted a comprehensive sanitation and environmental assessment to identify and notify all encroachers ahead of the planned clearance exercise.

“We have worked closely with the Lagos State Government and federal security agencies to ensure full compliance. The area will be cleared soon, as relocation is now inevitable,” Kuku warned.

Highlighting the broader implications of poor environmental management, Kuku noted that unsanitary conditions near both Lagos and Abuja airports attract wildlife, particularly birds, thereby increasing the risk of bird strikes, one of the major hazards to flight safety.

She assured that FAAN remains committed to engaging neighbouring communities, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to sustain a safe, secure, and environmentally compliant airport ecosystem.

Emphasising the need for long-term solutions, Kuku called for stronger collaboration among legislators, regulators, airline operators, and service providers to promote adherence to safety and environmental standards across the aviation industry.

As part of the 2025 FAAN Safety Week, the Managing Director also led an interactive session on Safety Management Systems, SMS, with the agency’s directors, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and aligning with international best practices in aviation safety.