FAAN Casual Worker Returns $1,700 and Two Passports at Lagos Airport

A casual worker at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos has been widely praised after returning a lost purse containing $1,700, two international passports, and a credit card to its rightful owner at the Terminal 2 departure hall.

Frank Omorojie, a casual worker in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria's Environment Department, found the purse on Wednesday near the RwandAir check-in counter at the departure hall of Terminal 2. The purse contained a Nigerian passport, a British passport, a credit card, and $1,700 in cash.

Rather than pocket the find, Omorojie immediately handed everything over to Aviation Security (AVSEC) officials. The discovery immediately raised concerns about tracing the owner, but Omorojie promptly handed the item over to Aviation Security personnel without hesitation. 

Following standard procedures, the items were documented and passed to the Customer Service Department, where an urgent announcement was made. Within a short time, a female Nigerian passenger, who had already resigned herself to the worst, was reunited with her belongings, every single item accounted for. She had been on her way to Kigali, Rwanda. 

Airport officials described the incident as a clear demonstration of professionalism and integrity, noting that such conduct builds public confidence in airport operations and the people who work there.

Omorojie was characteristically understated about the whole thing. "I just did what was right," he said. Colleagues and airport management have since praised the act, calling it a model of accountability in public service.