In a bid to enhance service delivery and maintain cleanliness at Nigerian airports, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has revealed plans to appoint airport marshals.
The new initiative, which will be implemented across Nigeria’s airports, was announced in a statement on Thursday by Mr. Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation.
Keyamo stated that the move was aimed at improving the overall airport experience for the traveling public and addressing growing concerns about service quality and hygiene at airport facilities.
“The introduction of airport marshals is a critical step in ensuring that our airports meet the expectations of the traveling public,” Keyamo said.
According to the minister, these marshals will come from various backgrounds, including the media, non-governmental organizations, and state governments, to ensure a diverse and broad-based approach to monitoring service quality.
“They will conduct unscheduled visits to the airports, observing staff conduct and assessing the overall cleanliness and condition of facilities,” he explained.
The airport marshals will act as a third-party monitoring body, allowing for unbiased evaluations of airport management and operations.
Marshals to Report Directly to Keyamo for Immediate Action
The new initiative will see the marshals directly report their findings to the Minister of Aviation. This direct line of communication aims to streamline the process of addressing any deficiencies and holding airport staff accountable for their actions.
“Having the marshals report directly to me will create a clear and effective feedback loop, ensuring that I can issue directives to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) without delays,” Keyamo said.
This system is designed to ensure a more transparent and accountable airport management process. Keyamo emphasized that the airport marshals would introduce an additional layer of supervision, helping to hold airport managers to higher standards of responsibility.
The minister believes that this measure will also contribute to improving the overall airport environment, making Nigerian airports more efficient and welcoming to passengers.
Unscheduled Monthly Inspections to Take Place
In addition to appointing airport marshals, Keyamo announced that he would personally conduct unscheduled monthly inspections of airports nationwide. He stated that these inspections would be carried out with key stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Managing Director of FAAN, and members of the Senate and House Committees on Aviation.
During these visits, Keyamo said he would engage with airport staff, listening to their concerns and encouraging them to uphold professionalism and courteous service to the public.
“I will be personally engaging with airport staff during these visits, addressing their concerns, and reminding them of the importance of delivering excellent service,” the minister said. “This is about creating a culture of professionalism that the public can feel.”
Keyamo also stressed that the initiative would focus on improving customer service, cleanliness, and operational efficiency at all airports across the country.
An Initiative to Address Public Concerns
The plans for the introduction of airport marshals come as part of the ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Aviation to address growing concerns about service delivery at Nigerian airports.
Many travelers have long complained about issues such as long delays, poor customer service, and dirty facilities at the country’s airports. Keyamo’s announcement signals the government’s commitment to addressing these concerns head-on.
