General of ANAP, AbdulRasaq saidu
The Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) has expressed concern about what it described as ‘unprovoked, unabating and uncivilized’ behaviour of unruly passengers in recent times.
In a statement tilted, ‘unruly passengers saga, a case for protection of aviation workers against violent passenger behaviour’ signed by the Secretary General of ANAP, AbdulRasaq Saidu, the union called for actions from airlines, airports and regulatory authorities to curb and contain such incidences.
ANAP called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to review its existing protocols on violent passenger behaviour
“We invite the Nigerian Civil Aviation authority to urgently review existing protocols on violent passenger behaviour and reinvigorate enforcement methods at the aerodromes, especially with regard to protection of aviation workers from criminal harm makers in the form of unwanted unruly passengers”, it said.
It noted that the August 5, 2025 incidence at the tarmac of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja involving Wasiu Ayinde (aka Kwam 1) and ValueJet (a Nigerian airline) remains a news headliner, while another incident on August 10, 2025 involving Ms Comfort Emmanson who travelled on Ibom Air from Uyo to Lagos also remained source of concern .
According to ANAP, all the narratives so far concerning the incidences have focused on the unbecoming and unlawful behaviour (of Kwam 1 and Ms Emmanson), professional conducts (of pilots and aviation security personnel), as well as security implications of the incidences for passengers, aircraft and aerodromes.
“Unfortunately, a very important aspect of the incidences has somehow escaped the attention of analysts, stakeholders and the public at large: the oft neglected, but worrisome danger and risks aviation workers face in the course of their daily duties. The reports and video footages in both incidences show clearly the physical and psychological assault and trauma visited on both ground staff and air crews”
ANAP said in the meantime, that airlines and the airport authority should adequately provide medical attention and financial compensations for the staff of both ground and air, who have suffered any form of harm arising from these incidences.
According to the union, this will demonstrate their duty of care towards their employees.
“It is important to warn the travelling public that such indecent behahiour is highly unwelcome in the aviation world.And we call on the airlines, airports and regulatory authorities to apply maximum sanctions including legal prosecution to act as deterrent”
ANAP assured all aviation workers of the readiness and capability of ANAP to stand up for each and all and urged all aviation workers to regard ANAP as home and to call for help at any time of distress.
