The Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) has terminated the employment of one of its staff members accused of extorting ₦100,000 from a South Africa-bound passenger at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Incident and Investigation
The dismissed staff member, whose identity has been withheld, was reportedly involved in the extortion of Oyewale Oyesiji, an automobile engineer and first-time traveler, last December. Along with other airport workers, the employee allegedly coerced the passenger into parting with the sum.
Following the allegation, SAHCO launched an investigative panel to examine the case. According to a company insider, the panel concluded its investigation and found the staff member guilty of the misconduct. This prompted immediate disciplinary action, resulting in the employee’s dismissal.
The source, speaking anonymously, stated, “Our management has dismissed the erring staff. After receiving the complaint, the company promptly set up a panel, and the investigation confirmed the allegations. Based on the findings, the management enforced the report’s recommendations in line with Nigeria’s labor laws.”
SAHCO Reaffirms Commitment to Professionalism
In light of the incident, SAHCO reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, extortion, and any form of unethical behavior among its employees. While declining to comment on the specific case, the Head of Corporate Communications, Vanessa Uansohia, emphasized the company’s commitment to integrity and professionalism.
“We condemn any act of extortion, harassment, unethical behavior, or misconduct among our staff or operations. The reported incident is contrary to our values and the code of conduct that governs all our staff. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of corruption or misconduct,” Uansohia said.
Plans to Address the Victim
SAHCO is reportedly planning to meet with the extorted passenger, Oyewale Oyesiji, to provide updates on the case and ensure closure on the matter.
Broader Industry Implications
This case adds to ongoing concerns about misconduct among airport workers in Nigeria. SAHCO’s decisive action underscores the importance of holding personnel accountable for unprofessional behavior, which can tarnish the reputation of aviation service providers.
The company assured stakeholders, clients, and passengers that it remains committed to the highest operational standards, striving to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
