With Nigeria’s airports witnessing a sharp increase in passenger traffic as the festive season peaks, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has appealed to all aviation stakeholders to intensify collaboration in order to ensure hitch-free operations and a pleasant travel experience for passengers.
The call was contained in a statement released on Monday by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Henry Agbebire, who described airports as the country’s foremost contact point for visitors and returning citizens, particularly during the busy “Detty December” period.
According to Agbebire, the yuletide rush places exceptional operational demands on airport infrastructure and personnel, making teamwork among all agencies operating within the airport environment imperative.
He identified the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, as key entry points requiring heightened professionalism and efficiency due to their high passenger volumes.
The FAAN spokesperson noted that the Authority’s appeal aligns with the expectations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, both of whom have consistently emphasised service excellence and improved passenger experience within the aviation sector.
FAAN consequently urged agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Port Health, Quarantine Services, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Aviation Security (AVSEC), ground handling companies and other service providers to operate in harmony throughout the festive period.
In clear terms, the Authority directed all officers and personnel to refrain from actions that could tarnish the image of the country or inconvenience travellers. These include harassment or intimidation of passengers, solicitation or extortion, unnecessary profiling, avoidable delays and any form of obstruction in the discharge of official duties. Personnel were instead encouraged to exhibit courtesy, discipline and professionalism at all times.
“This period offers us an opportunity to reflect the culture of excellence and hospitality Nigeria seeks to promote,” Agbebire stated. “Passengers, whether citizens returning home or visitors arriving for the first time, should feel welcomed, safe and assured throughout their journey.”
He further stressed that ensuring a peaceful, orderly and efficient airport environment is a shared responsibility, urging all stakeholders to work collectively towards transforming airports into centres of safety, efficiency and festive cheer.
Agbebire concluded by expressing FAAN’s confidence in the cooperation of all partners within the aviation ecosystem, noting that a united approach would not only ease the yuletide travel rush but also enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a hospitable and well-managed destination.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of heightened travel activities, as Nigerians in the diaspora return home for the holidays alongside increased arrivals of foreign visitors, placing airports at the heart of the nation’s festive movement.
About The Author
