Following the recent fire outbreak at the old international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has set up a task force to resolve the challenges envisaged in the relocating of the international airlines to the new terminal within a short time.
Keyamo extended his deepest regrets over the inconvenience caused and assured all travellers that the authorities are fully committed to resolving these concerns promptly.
“We pledge our commitment to passenger comfort, safety, and overall satisfaction during this transitional period,” he said.
The members of the task force are Engineer Hassan Musa, (ex-Director of Department of Air Transport Management as the team leader; Adebayo Oladipo (General Manager Aerodrome NCAA); and Mr. Collins Mukoro (SA to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development).
Also included are Mrs. Uyoyou Edhekpo (SA to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace and Mr. Henry Agbebire (SA to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development).
Recall that during the Minister’s inspection of the Lagos Airport on Thursday 31st August 2023, he had given a deadline of October 1, 2023 for the relocation.
However, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had to fast track the implementation of this directive in response to the recent fire outbreak which raised safety concerns and affected passengers’ movements.
Head Press and Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Oluseyi Odutayo, in a statement urged “all passengers and other stakeholders to be patient and bear with us as the inconvenience caused will soon be resolved.
“Your understanding plays a vital role in making this transition smoother for everyone involved,” he appealed.
According to the statement, the primary objective of this task force is threefold.
The first being to resolve passenger concerns; the task force will work diligently towards resolving all concerns raised by passengers regarding congestion, discomfort, and related issues stemming from terminal relocation.
“We are committed to ensuring that every passenger’s voice is heard and addressed promptly,” the statement said.
The second fold is to minimise any form of discomfort during the transition period.
“Efforts will be made in streamlining processes at both terminals while closely monitoring operations 24/7.
“Measures such as enhanced signage, dedicated support staff, and improved communication channels will be implemented proactively,” it explained.
The third fold is targeted at effective public communication by providing regular updates on progress made in addressing concerns arising from airline relocations.
The statement disclosed that FAAN aims at improving public relations strategies through various channels including online platforms and customer service helplines so that passengers would stay informed about developments firsthand.