BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In a move designed to deepen safety, the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) recently engaged in a critical meeting with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.
The discussions centered on elevating safety standards, enhancing passenger comfort, optimising revenue opportunities, and improving security and infrastructure across Nigeria’s airports.
Commending Mrs. Kuku for her leadership in advancing airport operations since assuming office, the ASRTI delegation, headed by its President, Air Commodore Demola Onitiju (Rtd), emphasized the importance of enforcing compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between FAAN and airport concessionaires.
They highlighted the need for better facilities for physically challenged passengers, ensuring that these individuals have easy access to terminal lounges and other airport amenities.
“Among the key concerns raised was the regulation of concessionaires’ activities within the newly commissioned terminals. ASRTI called for the implementation of monitoring systems to ensure that duty-free shops operate within the bounds of their agreements, selling only FAAN-approved items. “For the health and safety of travelers, and in alignment with international best practices, it is crucial for FAAN to introduce certification processes to oversee the operations of retail shop operators,” Onitiju stressed.
Another pressing issue was the infestation of rats at the new Lagos airport terminal, which poses a significant health risk.
ASRTI also advocated for the establishment of security fences at airports, in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, and proposed relocating the Lagos airport toll gate.
They suggested a dual toll system—one for entry and another for exit—to streamline traffic and enhance FAAN’s revenue generation.
In response, Mrs. Kuku expressed gratitude for ASRTI’s contributions and acknowledged the organization’s role as a vital pressure group within the aviation sector. She assured the delegation that the ongoing infrastructure upgrades already include provisions for physically challenged passengers, such as the installation of a new elevator and other accessible facilities.
Mrs. Kuku also revealed that FAAN is actively reviewing the operations of retail concessionaires through its Business Development Directorate to ensure adherence to standards.
Additionally, she mentioned that the Cargo Services Directorate is addressing security challenges in the cargo section.
Regarding the training gap for Airports Fire Personnel, Mrs. Kuku highlighted that significant progress has been made in providing necessary fire simulator training.
She also disclosed that discussions are underway with both the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government to repair the dilapidated road linking FAAN Training School to Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
However, she noted that larger projects, such as perimeter fencing for major airports, may require federal assistance due to their scale.
FAAN’s Director of Special Duties, Mr. Henry Agbebire, assured that efforts are being made to tackle the rat infestation at the terminals, which has been identified as a health and safety concern.
In recognition of the fruitful engagement, Mrs. Kuku presented a plaque of appreciation to ASRTI’s President, following his presentation of a commemorative book titled “Aviation Round Table @20, The Journey So Far”.
ASRTI, Nigeria’s foremost aviation NGO, is dedicated to advancing the country’s aviation sector through sustained collaboration with the government and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.
The organisation comprises seasoned professionals from the aviation and allied industries, as well as corporate members representing various organisations.
