BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In a loud call to scofflaws to turn a new leaf and to strengthen airport security and improve the passenger experience, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to introduce magistrate courts within airport premises nationwide.
The initiative aims to ensure that violators of airport rules, particularly those engaging in touting and harassment, face swift and decisive justice.
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, made this announcement during a high-level meeting held on 14th August 2024, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja.
The meeting, which brought together FAAN management and heads of various security agencies, was organized to address current challenges at the airport, outline the strategic goals of the administration, and explore ways to enhance passenger facilitation and overall airport efficiency.
In her remarks, Mrs. Kuku identified the presence of touts and loiterers as one of the most significant obstacles to creating a safe and comfortable environment for genuine airport users.
She emphasized that the airport should be a sanctuary for travelers, free from the disturbances caused by those with no legitimate business within its premises.
“There are individuals who continue to create unnecessary challenges for us by lingering in airport spaces and harassing passengers. This behavior is unacceptable and does not align with global airport standards,”
Mrs. Kuku stated. “To address this issue, we are establishing onsite magistrate courts that will facilitate the immediate prosecution of offenders. The airport is a place of safety and should not be compromised by such activities.”
The MD/CE further highlighted the issue of car hire operators who flout established protocols, warning that their actions would no longer be tolerated.
She made it clear that a new era of strict enforcement of airport regulations had begun, one in which violators will face immediate consequences.
Additionally, Mrs. Kuku stressed the importance of modernizing operations at the airport.
She announced plans to reduce the manual search of baggage at the international wing, replacing it with an advanced screening system that allows security officials to view luggage contents in real time.
Only bags that require further inspection will be pulled aside, streamlining the process and ensuring greater efficiency.
“We must embrace 21st-century solutions and ensure that our airports are in step with global best practices,” she emphasized.
In another significant development, Mrs. Kuku shared updates on ongoing infrastructure projects at NAIA. She revealed that Terminal C is on track for completion by December 2024.
Once operational, the terminal will help decongest the airport and improve passenger flow.
She also acknowledged the underutilization of the International Terminal and assured stakeholders that efforts are underway to develop more international routes to maximize its potential.
Representing the security agencies, Air Force Group Captain Abbas Hashim, Military Airport Commander of NAIA, expressed gratitude to FAAN’s leadership for convening the meeting.
He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between security agencies and FAAN to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of the airports.
Hashim called for more regular engagements to foster stronger partnerships and address emerging challenges swiftly.
Key members of FAAN’s management team who attended the meeting included Engr. Abiola Muniru Adejare, Director of Engineering Services; Capt.
Abdulahi Mohmood, Director of Airport Operations; Henry Agbebire, Director of Special Duties; Alhaji Gambo Aboki, Regional Manager, NAIA; and Mrs. Ibijoke Olatunji, General Manager of Operations.
