In a move to enhance customer service and operational standards at Nigerian airports, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has announced the introduction of unscheduled monthly inspections.
According to Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister in a press release, the initiative, part of a broader set of reforms, aims to ensure airports meet the expectations of the traveling public and operate at the highest levels of efficiency and cleanliness.
The inspections, which will involve Keyamo personally leading a team of senior officials, are designed to bring greater accountability and transparency to airport operations.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and members of aviation oversight committees, Keyamo will assess airport operations firsthand, engage with staff, and address complaints.
In addition to the ministerial visits, Keyamo unveiled plans to appoint voluntary Special Airport Marshals. These individuals, drawn from journalists, non-governmental organizations, and representatives of state governors, will conduct independent assessments of airports in their cities.
“The Minister, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, will appoint voluntary Special Airport Marshals who are resident in cities where airports are located. These Marshals, comprising public-spirited individuals drawn from members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and representatives of State Governors, will conduct unscheduled visits to the airports. Their role will be to monitor staff conduct and assess the general hygiene and conditions of the airports.
“The voluntary Special Airport Marshals shall report directly to the Honourable Minister, who will issue necessary directives to FAAN based on their findings.”
It was also stated the Minister will engage stakeholders in consultations to identify and appoint suitable volunteers for the Special Airport Marshal roles. The names of the appointed Marshals will be publicly announced to ensure transparency and accountability.
Moshood said these measures reflect Keyamo’s dedication to raising the bar for Nigerian airports.
Keyamo’s reforms are part of a broader strategy to elevate Nigerian airports to global standards, emphasising accountability, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.
Chioma Kalu
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