The Nigerian Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, under the leadership of Minister Festus Keyamo, has expressed its intention to enhance the revenue generation capabilities of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Keyamo conveyed this objective during a recent visit to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, represented by the Head Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi. He emphasized that a significant portion of FAAN’s revenue, approximately 60%, originates from Lagos, underscoring the importance of efficiently utilizing the new terminal.
The new terminal is equipped with 60 check-in points and has the capacity to handle substantial air traffic. However, Keyamo also addressed the deteriorating condition of the old terminal, which requires a comprehensive overhaul. Key issues include the malfunctioning central cooling system and various areas in need of maintenance.
To address these challenges, Minister Keyamo directed all airlines operating in the old terminal to relocate their check-in counters to the new terminal within a three-month timeframe.
Regarding the concession of airports and the Nigeria air project, Minister Keyamo announced a suspension of these initiatives until he briefs the President on his findings. He expressed a commitment to supporting local airlines while emphasizing the importance of their efficiency and effectiveness. He also pledged to address issues related to flight cancellations and delays, with a willingness to enforce relevant laws.
To create additional space for the expansion of the new terminal to accommodate larger aircraft, Minister Keyamo expressed his intention to discuss potential relocation of private hangars with their owners.
In response to the minister’s visit and his directives, FAAN issued a statement confirming the establishment of a committee tasked with optimizing the agency’s revenue generation capacity. The committee has been given four weeks to deliver a comprehensive report and propose solutions.
Key areas the committee will focus on include advertising opportunities at airports, ticketing at all FAAN facilities, and waivers on payments for FAAN services. The ministry’s efforts align with its goal of enhancing revenue and operational efficiency within the aviation sector.