How We Prevent Touting At Our Terminal – Bi-Courtney

LAGOS – Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), the operator of Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA) in Lagos, has explained the stringent measures it is implementing to prevent touts and touting activ­ities at its terminal.

Speaking with Saturday INDEPENDENT at the ter­minal on Friday, management stated that it has Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in­stalled in strategic locations to monitor activities both inside and outside the terminal and that it has a positive relation­ship with its concessionaires regarding improved security within its facilities.

Monica Oguta, Head of Aviation Security at BASL, told our correspondent that, in addition to the CCTV cameras with a situation room, the ter­minal operator has adequate Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel equipped with body cameras to survey the sur­roundings.

Oguta went on to say that it conducts extensive back­ground checks on any protocol personnel deployed to the ter­minal by companies, emphasis­ing that it will go to any length to ensure maximum security at its terminal.

She maintained that the management has also made a security awareness pro­gramme mandatory for all concessionaires and tenants.

She emphasised that the programme, which began early this year, had reached ap­proximately 50% sensitisation for its concessionaires and cli­ents, and that everyone would be trained on it.

“We are aware of touts and touting in the industry, but we at MMA2 do not condone such behaviour. Yes, some organisa­tions sent their officials to the airport, and others are con­ducting protocol business. So, when their clients travel, they can come to the terminal and assist them with tickets.

“Before anyone can offer a protocol service here, they must go through a very rigor­ous process; first, we ensure that the amount of money to register with is not low.

“Also, we will conduct thor­ough background checks on the men they are sending to us. With that kind of investment, you cannot ignore someone who has not registered to begin canvassing for tickets. There are no cleaners carrying pas­senger bags here. We do not allow it.

“We have a serious relation­ship with the airline operators here. We schedule meetings with their employees when­ever they fail to meet industry standards.

“This is because if there is a problem and the airline’s employees are threatened by the passengers, we separate them and take over. We make certain they are safe from the angry passengers.”

In addition, Mr. Remi Jibo­du, BASL’s Head of Aeronau­tics and Cargo, stated that in­sufficient aircraft capacity may result in airport touting.

Jibodu, who is also the Act­ing Chief Operating Officer (COO) of BASL, explained that the airlines’ lack of equipment capacity raises demand while supply is insufficient.

He also stated that the high level of insecurity and the current rainy season drew some passengers into the sec­tor. He insisted, however, that as a terminal operator, BASL discourages touting and has implemented strict measures to prevent it within its facilities.

He added, “Also, as you are aware, some airlines are ground­ed, and their employees are only familiar with airports. So by the time they arrive at the airport, they will want to survive.

“However, as terminal oper­ators, we ensure that this act does not thrive at our terminal. We came here to solve a prob­lem, and this is it.