28 Sep 2018 | 08:14 PM UTC
Nigeria: Protesters cause disruptions at Lagos Airport September 28 /update 1
Union protesters cause brief disruptions at Murtala Muhammad International Airport (LOS), serving Lagos, on September 28; additional disruptions possible in the coming hours
Event
Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress union stormed Murtala Muhammad International Airport (LOS) in Lagos on Friday, September 28, and ordered airline staff to stop selling tickets. According to local reports, passengers were stranded in the terminal and flight operations were disrupted for approximately 15 minutes. Residual disruptions and additional related demonstrations are possible in the coming hours and days.
Context
Several labor unions called for an indefinite nationwide strike on September 27 to demand a new national minimum wage. On the morning (local time) of September 27, union members barricaded the offices of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency at Murtala Muhammad International Airport; flight operations were not disrupted during the incident.
Advice
Individuals in the Lagos area are advised to remain vigilant at all times and avoid all demonstrations and sites where clashes are particularly likely (e.g. government buildings, main squares, etc.).
The security environment in Nigeria remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
