The Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), a prominent aviation advocacy group, has called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to improve safety measures, increase revenue, and enhance passenger comfort at Nigerian airports. This appeal was made during a meeting between the ASRTI, led by President Air Cdr. Demola Onitiju (Rtd), and FAAN’s management team, headed by Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, in Lagos.
The ASRTI commended Mrs. Kuku for her leadership and strides in airport improvement since assuming office, but highlighted areas for further development. The group urged FAAN to enforce compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) signed with concessionaires, ensure better comfort for airport users, including the physically challenged, and regulate concessionaires’ access to newly commissioned terminals. They also proposed the installation of a monitoring system to ensure duty-free shops only sell FAAN-approved products, emphasizing the need to align with international standards for the safety of travelers.
A critical issue raised was the presence of rats at the Lagos airport’s new terminal, which poses a significant health risk. The ASRTI recommended urgent measures to address this hazard, alongside establishing security fences at airports to comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Additionally, the ASRTI suggested relocating the Lagos airport toll gate to allow toll payment at either entry or exit, which they believe would boost FAAN’s revenue generation.
In her response, Mrs. Kuku expressed gratitude for ASRTI’s input and praised the group for its ongoing commitment to aviation safety. She noted that FAAN had already incorporated facilities for physically challenged passengers into its infrastructure projects, including the installation of a new elevator. Furthermore, she stated that FAAN is actively revalidating concessionaires and reviewing the operations of retail shops to ensure compliance with safety and health standards.
Mrs. Kuku also addressed security challenges at the cargo section and revealed that efforts are underway to improve fire simulator training for airport fire personnel. Regarding the dilapidated road linking the FAAN Training School to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Mrs. Kuku shared that discussions with both the Lagos State Government and the federal government are ongoing to repair the road. She acknowledged that major projects like perimeter fencing may require federal funding due to their scale.
FAAN’s Director of Special Duties, Mr. Henry Agbebire, assured that measures are being taken to tackle the rat infestation at the terminals, a concern raised by ASRTI.
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, Mrs. Kuku presented a plaque to Air Cdr. Onitiju, who, in turn, gifted her a book titled Aviation Round Table @20, The Journey So Far.
ASRTI, recognized as Nigeria’s foremost aviation NGO, continues to advocate for the advancement of the aviation sector through collaboration with the government and knowledge-sharing with industry stakeholders. Its members include seasoned professionals from aviation and related fields, as well as corporate members.
