Deepening efficiency in airports management
For the first time in 100 years of aviation in Nigeria, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) were certified by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The certification means that they have met all safety requirements of an international airport as stipulated by the global aviation governing body, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
At no time in Nigeria’s recent history has airport management been in the front burner owing to the unquenchable thirst for quality service delivery at the airports. Besides, airports are the first point of call for foreigners entering the country. Therefore, any investment in airports development is worthwhile, especially at a time that airport users have lodged several complaints about the quality of service rendered at the airports.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the body under which the management of 22 airports rests, is therefore expected to up its ante in improving airports infrastructure towards a better service delivery for the people.
Of paramount importance is the issue of security at the airports viz-a-viz safety of users. In recent times, there have been complaints of alleged security breaches including alleged poaching of aircraft taxiing for takeoff and landing.
However, the Managing Director of FAAN, Engr. Saleh Dunoma, who was reappointed just last year, assured airport users that the authority would not shirk in its responsibility of securing the airports. According to him, security has remained a top priority of the current management which has ensured that the country recorded 96 per cent mark in the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit.
In the last two years, the authority, he said, recruited over 300 Aviation Security and Airports Rescue and Fire Fighting officers to address shortage of manpower and ageing work force, adding that key operational officers, especially from the Aviation Security and Fire Department, were trained both locally and internationally, with a view to enhancing operational efficiency at the airports.
He said, “Airport security architecture has been restructured to contain emerging airport security challenges. FAAN has continued discussions on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mechanism to inject new life to our airports while cargo airports have been strengthened to encourage agro-allied businesses.”
The reconstruction of Abuja Airport runway faced stiff opposition from airline operators and members of the public in February last year. However, the project was concluded within the six-week timeline. That also added life to Kaduna International Airport where traffic was diverted to during the period as the Kaduna Aerodrome facility was upgraded to Category 9 (CAT 9).
The Federal Government is presently building new terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kano which are nearing completion.
Dunoma, who was recently elected President of Airports Council International (ACIAfrica), said the completion of the terminals would bring relief to airports users.
Daily Trust correspondent who visited the project site at Lagos airport reports that the opening of the project would address the concerns of travellers in accessing the newly opened multi-storey car park at the Lagos airport.
General Manager, Public Affairs of FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, said, “In FAAN, we are very concerned about service delivery and we try as much as possible to address the concerns of airport users, especially members of the travelling public. We have implemented programmes to drive efficiency and selfsustainability within the period.
“FAAN fully commenced the process of migrating to a brand new independent power source, with the acquisition of six brand new generators with a total capacity of 29.1 MVA from Caterpillar and the commissioning for use of the generators at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, resolving the power challenges at the airport in the process.
“We have also installed and commissioned for use three brand new carousels at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport to speed up baggage facilitation, enhancing passenger comfort and convenience in the process.
“The authority has continued to drive the nation’s airports to success through robust engagements with critical airport stakeholders to ensure that its mandates are continually being delivered to the general public.
“FAAN’s doors are wide open for potential investors who may wish to take advantage of the various investment opportunities at our airports nationwide as it repositions to serve you better.”
A former commandant of the MMA, retired Group Capt. John Ojikutu, commenting on security issues at the airport said it was high time FAAN rejigged its security architecture.
More important is looking into insider threat and ensuring that airport workers are subjected to even more rigorous background checks to keep the airports safe and secure for users, Ojikutu said.