As the festive travel season reaches its peak across the country’s airports, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has called on all aviation stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure a seamless and pleasant experience for passengers.
The appeal was made on Monday by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Henry Agbebire, who described airports as the nation’s “first impression” during the heavy passenger influx traditionally associated with the “Detty December” period.
Agbebire noted that major international gateways, particularly the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, require exceptional service delivery as traffic intensifies.
He added that, in line with the expectations of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, he urged all agencies and service providers operating at airports to work in unison.
These include the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Port Health, Quarantine Services, the Department of State Services, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Aviation Security personnel, ground handlers and other relevant stakeholders.
The Authority issued clear directives to officers and personnel, enjoining them to avoid undue harassment or intimidation of passengers, desist from soliciting or demanding money, and refrain from unnecessary delays, profiling or obstruction. Officials were also reminded to carry out their duties with courtesy, professionalism and efficiency.
Agbebire said, “This is a season to demonstrate the culture of excellence Nigeria seeks to entrench. Our returning citizens and visitors deserve warmth, order and reassurance from arrival to exit.”
Emphasising collective responsibility, he called for airports to be transformed into havens of joy, safety and efficiency throughout the festive period.
He added that FAAN is relying on the cooperation of all partners to achieve this goal, stating, “Together, let us make Nigeria proud.”
