Passengers' travel experience at airports improving says Keyamo

 Passengers' travel experience at airports improving says Keyamo 

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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo said on Friday that the experience of passengers travelling through Nigerian international gateways to destinations abroad has experienced  a dramatic shift from the hitherto harassment and extortion they undergo in the hands of officials processing their trips.

Keyamo said the new experience, which many Nigerians have curated in diverse social media platforms stems from the measures being put in place by the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Office Of The National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Keyamo said the Ministry through FAAN has done a written communication to ONSA on the steps it has worked out to put an end to the hitherto constant harassment of passengers / extortion at the airport by personnel attached, which is giving the country a bad reputation.

While suing for the collaboration of affected agencies and their personnel to change the narrative, Keyamo said the optics generated from previous unprofessional practice has dented the image of the country.

Speaking in an interview, Keyamo after inspecting the refurbished facility said :" What you are seeing today is the general plan of FAAN, endorsed by the Ministry of Aviation to remodel our airports , in partnership with private entities within our limited resources to make airport facilities user friendly. What we are doing today is the commissioning of Wing E- Departure of the Lagos International Airport , in partnership with the United Bank of Africa, which has been with us for a very long time.

"They have done a tremendous amount of work, which is the outcome of the partnership. We thank them for their support ."

On the extortion of passengers at the airport, and the new arrangement, Keyamo said FAAN has done a lot on the issue. There is a paradigm shift, which is good for our collective image. The agencies and their personnel have changed , and this is because of the deliberate steps the government has taken on the issue. We have taken all the flak for the previous not very pleasant experience. But, I can tell you categorically that the agencies and their personnel have stepped up their game , passengers affirmed online in their reviews that the harassment is now less  , the people are more professional, I appeal to them to continue in that line.

"We have been working with the National Security Adviser , we have updated him on the steps taken, which he has endorsed , and we engaged him through writing on the concrete steps  for him to inform the agencies to be on the same page."  

Also speaking , Group Managing Director of UBA, Mr Oliver Alawuba  highlighted the enduring nature of the UBA and FAAN partnership, which spans over 22 years. Speaking at the event, Alawuba said, “For 22 years, UBA has maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with FAAN, and today’s commissioning is a testament to the power of such collaborations.” 

He pointed out key achievements in Nigeria’s aviation sector, including improved compliance with the Cape Town Convention (CTC), expanded Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA), and enhanced consumer protection initiatives.  
Alawuba also praised the Minister’s innovative approach, particularly the transition to solar energy and the promotion of green aviation practices. “These milestones demonstrate a forward-thinking strategy that positions Nigeria as a global aviation hub,” Alawuba said. He noted that investments in sustainable infrastructure, like the remodeled terminal, pave the way for economic growth and seamless travel experiences, showcasing Nigeria’s potential on the global stage.  
The UBA GMD urged greater private-sector involvement in national development, emphasizing that public-private partnerships are transformative tools for addressing critical challenges. “This is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about creating an environment that catalyzes growth, facilitates seamless travel, and unlocks opportunities across every sector of the economy,” he added.  
Alawuba assured stakeholders of UBA’s commitment to supporting future phases of airport modernization, describing the terminal renovation as the first step in a larger journey. “The private sector must step in, and UBA clearly provides that support needed at this time. This is just the first phase, as the minister noted,” he stressed.  
The event concluded with a shared resolve to deepen partnerships, ensuring Nigeria’s aviation industry remains competitive in the global arena. The remodeled terminal reflects a robust vision for infrastructure development that prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and economic advancement.  

Also speaking, Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku said the authority will continue to upgrade facilities at airports in line with global standards.

She said the refurbishment drive will extend to other sections of Lagos Airport and others..

Meanwhile, Keya also inaugurated four CNG buses to ease passengers' movement at the Lagos Airport affirming that it will be extended to other airports.

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