Aviation experts in Nigeria have called for enhanced safety measures, increased revenue opportunities, improved passenger comfort, better security, and upgraded infrastructure at airports nationwide. During a meeting with the managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, on Tuesday, members of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) urged FAAN to ensure compliance with the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) signed with airport concessionaires.
Led by its President, Air Commodore Demola Onitiju (rtd), ASRTI also highlighted the need for improved facilities for airport users, particularly for passengers with physical disabilities, who require specialized access to terminal lounges. Onitiju further emphasized the need to regulate concessionaire access to the new terminals and introduce monitoring systems to ensure that duty-free shops sell only FAAN-approved items.
“For the health and safety of travelers, as well as adherence to international best practices, it is crucial for FAAN to implement certification processes to monitor what retail operators are selling,” Onitiju stated. He also raised concerns about the rat infestation at Lagos airport’s new terminal, describing it as a significant health hazard.
Additionally, Onitiju stressed the importance of installing security fences at airports in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. He proposed relocating the Lagos airport toll gate and introducing a system where vehicles pay a toll upon entry but not upon exit, a move ASRTI believes would boost FAAN’s revenue.
In response, FAAN MD Kuku acknowledged ASRTI’s contributions to the aviation sector’s development. She noted that ongoing infrastructure projects already consider the needs of passengers with physical disabilities, including the installation of a new elevator as part of a broader facilities upgrade. Kuku also confirmed that FAAN is revalidating concessionaires, with the Business Development Directorate reviewing retail operators’ activities to ensure compliance with standards. The Cargo Services Directorate is addressing security concerns at the cargo section.
Regarding fire safety, Kuku highlighted that a gap in fire simulator training for airport fire personnel had been identified and was being actively addressed. She also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Lagos State and federal governments to repair the dilapidated road linking FAAN Training School to Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Kuku added that perimeter fencing for major airports was an extensive project that may require federal government support, though some aspects of the project are already underway.
