Nigeria: FAAN MD admonishes airlines, airport personnel to enhance passenger experience, promises infrastructure upgrade
In a bid to enhance traveling experience of passengers at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, spearheaded an interactive session with airline operators and security agencies.
The meeting, held on Monday, February 5th, 2024, aimed to address pressing concerns and chart a path towards improved services for travellers.
During the session, Mrs. Kuku emphasised the importance of prioritising passenger facilitation and comfort, urging stakeholders to consider the needs of travelers as integral to their duties.
Recognising the challenges posed by existing infrastructure limitations, she outlined interim measures being implemented to enhance passenger comfort while long-term solutions are pursued.
A key focus of the discussion, as conveyed in a statement signed by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection (DPA & CP), was the streamlining of security screening processes to ensure a seamless experience for passengers.
Mrs. Kuku advocated for the consolidation of security agencies to eliminate multiple screening layers, which often lead to dissatisfaction among travellers.
Addressing concerns raised by airline operators, particularly regarding baggage handling systems and infrastructure maintenance, Mrs. Kuku assured stakeholders of ongoing efforts to address these issues promptly.
She announced plans to reopen Runway 18R, Link 3, and the E Wing in the coming weeks, while also confirming the replacement of outdated baggage handling systems.
Furthermore, Mrs. Kuku highlighted the need for adherence to established protocols, urging agencies to align with the guidelines outlined in Executive Order 001 of 2017.
She stressed the exclusive responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in facilitating designated government officials, underscoring the importance of cooperation in delivering efficient services.
In response to concerns raised about Service Legal Agreements (SLAs) and contract revisions, Mrs. Kuku pledged to conduct a thorough investigation and engage in consultations to address any discrepancies.
The interactive session was attended by key officials including Directors of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Mrs. Bridget Gold; Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah; Engineering Services, Engr. Muniru Abiola; and Airport Operations, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Kuku reiterated her commitment to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of excellence in airport operations.
She expressed gratitude to the airline operators for their engagement and pledged to work collaboratively towards achieving a world-class travel experience at the MMA.
