The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has expressed the Federal Government’s desire to optimize the generating capacity of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Speaking during a facility visit to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Keyamo said 60% revenue of FAAN comes from Lagos, and as such the new airport terminal should be used optimally.
He said the new terminal has 60 check-in points and can accommodate much traffic.
Stating that the old terminal should undergo a complete overhaul, he noted that the central cooling system is not working, and a lot of dilapidation needs to be fixed.
He further directed that all airlines in the old terminal should move their check-in counters to the new terminal within three months.
According to the Minister, “I said they should move and use the new terminal that is all I have said. The new terminal is under-used; we spent a lot of money building it; we have to use it. The old terminal is a total eye-sore. Since I came into office, I have heard complaints upon complaints. The central air-conditioner is not working, the carousels are not working, they break down quite often and the approach into the airport is smelly and totally unwelcoming to people coming into Nigeria and that is a gateway to Nigeria.”
“Over the years because you cannot shut it down and for a total overhaul, they do things that are tokenistic; today, repair one light here, tomorrow remove this. It has been difficult to carry out a comprehensive overhaul even for those fighting over concession now. I know that you know that they are fighting over concessions over there. How can they even carry out repairs even if they win the concession?
On concession of the airports and Nigeria air project, the Minister said all will be put on hold until he briefs Mr. President on his findings.
He stated that as much as he is willing to protect the local airlines, he expects them to be more efficient and effective, noting that issues of flight cancellation and delays will be looked into and laws enforced where necessary.
He further directed the removal of unserviceable aircraft by the owners for the expansion of Apron.
To give space for the expansion of the new terminal to accommodate bigger aircraft, Keyamo said he would discuss with owners of private hangers within the space for possible relocation of their hangers.
