The Federal Government has set up a five-man taskforce on the relocation of international airlines from the old international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos to the new aerodrome.
Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said that part of the duties of the taskforce is to resolve passenger concerns on the abrupt relocation of international airlines to the new terminal.
A statement by Mr. Oluseyi Odutayo, Head, Press and Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, stated that Keyamo expressed concerned about the teething challenges of relocating the international airlines to the new terminal, saying this was necessitated by the recent fire outbreak at the old terminal .
The statement gave the names of the five –man taskforce as Engr. Hassan Musa; retired Permanent Secretary and former Director of Department of Air Transport Management as the Team Leader, Adebayo Oladipo; General Manager, Aerodrome, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Mr. Collins Mukoro, Special Adviser to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Others are Mrs. Uyoyou Edhekpo, Special Adviser to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and Mr. Henry Agbebire; Special Adviser to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The statement emphasised that the taskforce would work diligently towards resolving all concerns raised by passengers regarding congestion, discomfort, and related issues stemming from terminal relocation.
He insisted that the government was committed to ensuring that every passenger’s voice was heard and addressed promptly, while efforts would also be made to minimise discomfort of the travellers, airlines and other airport users.
Other tasks of the taskforces included minimization of discomfort to travelers and ensure effective public communication between the government and the people.
The statement said: :”Our focus dwells on minimising any form of discomfort during this 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, improved communication channels will be implemented proactively.
“We pledge transparency throughout this process by providing regular updates on progress made in addressing concerns arising from airline relocations. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), aims at improving public relations strategies through various channels, including online platforms and customer service help lines so that you stay informed about developments firsthand.”
Keyamo pledged the government’s commitment to passenger comfort, safety, and overall satisfaction during the period, while appealing to all passengers and other stakeholders to be patient and bear with the government.
Keyamo had on August 31, 2023, directed FAAN to ensure relocation of international airlines from the old terminal to the new one, which was commissioned on March 22, 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari on or before October 1, 2023.
Keyamo expressed displeasure with the condition of the old terminal, which he said was “leaky and smelly.”
But, the fire incident, which razed down a part of the old terminal on Tuesday, compelled FAAN immediately relocate the international airlines to the new one.
