Developments at airports in sync with Tinubu’s vision

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN) affirmed that current infrastructural upgrade and improved passengers experiences among others are the core values of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as the government continue to change the maligned narratives about Nigeria and especially the country’s airports.

He added that passengers passing through Nigeria’s international airports are witnessing a new lease of travel experience from the vexed challenges of harassments and subtle extorting at the hands of various government officials while trying to exit or enter the country through Nigeria airports in the past.

Keyamo, who spoke while unveiling the newly refurbished E Wing Departure terminal at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos also commissioned four environmentally friendly CNG-powered air-conditioned buses that are purchased to improve passengers’ mobility within the airport premise.

An excited Keyamo attributed the new experiences being shared by passengers and other airport workers on various social media to the collaborative efforts of his ministry alongside the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Speaking of the new facility, the Minister said: “What you are seeing today is the general plan of FAAN, endorsed by the Ministry of Aviation to remodel our airports, in partnership with private entities within our limited resources to make airport facilities user friendly. What we are doing today is the commissioning of Wing E- Departure of the Lagos International Airport, in partnership with the United Bank of Africa, which has been with us for a very long time.

“They have done a tremendous amount of work, which is the outcome of the partnership. We thank them for their support.

“FAAN has done a lot on the issue of harassments and extortions. There is a paradigm shift, which is good for our collective image. The agencies and their personnel have changed, and this is because of the deliberate steps the government has taken on the issue. We have taken all the flak for the previous not very pleasant experience. But, I can tell you categorically that the agencies and their personnel have stepped up their game, passengers affirmed online in their reviews that the harassment is now less, the people are more professional, I appeal to them to continue in that line.”

On his part, Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Oliver Alawuba affirmed the financial power house’s enduring partnership with FAAN which he disclosed spans over 22 years.

He said “For 22 years, UBA has maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with FAAN, and today’s commissioning is a testament to the power of such collaborations.

“These milestones demonstrate a forward-thinking strategy that positions Nigeria as a global aviation hub.”

According to him, such investments in sustainable infrastructure such as the remodeled terminal, pave the way for economic growth and seamless travel experiences, showcasing Nigeria’s potential on the global stage.

The UBA GMD urged greater private-sector involvement in national development, emphasizing that public-private partnerships are transformative tools for addressing critical challenges.

“This is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about creating an environment that catalyzes growth, facilitates seamless travel, and unlocks opportunities across every sector of the economy.”

Alawuba assured stakeholders of UBA’s commitment to supporting future phases of airport modernization, describing the terminal renovation as the first step in a larger journey.

“The private sector must step in, and UBA clearly provides that support needed at this time. This is just the first phase, as the minister noted.”