Lagos Airport Runway Light Stolen, Seven Suspended

Some yet-to-be-known persons have allegedly stolen the recently reinstalled airfield lighting systems at the domestic runway 18/36L of Murtala Muhammad Airport.

The disappearance of the approach lighting systems had raised security concerns in Nigeria’s busiest airports.

According to a source, those who carted away the lighting systems took advantage of the closure of the runway for over three months.

The source alleged that some FAAN workers worked together with outsiders to steal the airport lighting equipment.

“The criminal took advantage of the closure to commit the crime. I cannot give the actual worth of the theft, but almost all the lighting was removed. The permanent secretary came around to see for himself the huge damage done. A lot of FAAN officials have been suspended,” the source said.

It was also gathered that some heads of relevant departments at FAAN have been suspended over the missing lighting equipment on the directives of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Dr Emmanuel Meribole.

The source added that investigations had since commenced to unravel those responsible for the missing safety equipment.

According to the source, the regular incursion and stealing of safety components at the airports are carried out by a syndicate, consisting of some workers of the agencies, who have access to the restricted areas and accomplices from outside.