Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has pledged strict punishment for touts and those engaging in extortion at airports, emphasizing transparency in the upcoming concession of major airports. Speaking during a tour of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, Keyamo highlighted President Tinubu’s directive for a clear and transparent airport concession process aimed at upgrading facilities and services.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s stance against touting and extortion at airports across the country, promising strict punishment for offenders. Speaking during a tour of the newly installed facilities at the E-Wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Keyamo stressed that transparency and efficiency would guide the concession of major airports.
Keyamo commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for its work in improving the airport’s infrastructure and urged passengers to use the new mechanisms in place to report any cases of harassment or extortion.
“There is a QR code here at the airport that passengers can scan to report any infraction or extortion. We encourage people to use it rather than going to the media. We want immediate action, and FAAN is prepared to act quickly on such reports,” Keyamo said.
The minister warned that security operatives caught extorting or harassing passengers would face severe consequences, asserting FAAN’s authority to remove personnel from any agency operating within the airport if they engage in inappropriate behavior. He cited a recent incident where an individual caught on tape engaging in such practices was ejected from the premises.
Keyamo further revealed that the government is planning to concession five major airports in Nigeria, including Lagos, to reputable international partners. He emphasized that the process would be carried out transparently to avoid any legal or operational disputes, highlighting President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring professionalism and efficiency in airport management.
“The previous concession process was halted due to complaints and legal challenges. However, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, we will ensure that the process is as transparent as possible. We are searching for the best partners to run these airports professionally,” he stated.
FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, added that the agency is exploring various public-private partnership (PPP) models to accelerate infrastructure development and improve passenger experience. She noted that FAAN had already begun making significant improvements, such as ensuring accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
“Our investment needs go beyond what the federal government can provide. We are actively engaging with private sector players and international government bodies to create a favorable business climate for further development,” Kuku said.
The government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s airports is expected to position them among the best in the world, boosting both domestic and international air travel.
Keywords: Nigerian airports, Festus Keyamo, airport concession, touting and extortion, FAAN, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, transparent concession, public-private partnership, aviation reforms.