As part of measures to boost service delivery and sanitize airports across the country, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has disclosed plans to appoint voluntary Special Airport Marshals.
The Marshals who are expected to be residents in cities where airports are located would be appointed by the Minister in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
The marshals would comprise individuals from the fourth estate of the realm, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and representatives of State Governors.
According to a statement in Abuja on Thursday by the Media Aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, the marshals are expected to conduct unscheduled visits to the airports, monitor staff conduct, and assess the general hygiene and conditions of the airports.
The statement read: “Recognizing the critical need for our airports to meet the highest standards of customer service and operational excellence, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, announces new initiatives aimed at addressing the expectations of the travelling public who daily utilize our airports across Nigeria.
“These key decisions are aimed at improving service delivery and environmental conditions at these facilities. In this regard, the Minister has approved the appointment of voluntary Special Airport Marshals. The Minister, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, will appoint voluntary Special Airport Marshals who are residents in cities where airports are located.
“These Marshals, comprising public-spirited individuals drawn from members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and representatives of State Governors, will conduct unscheduled visits to the airports. Their role will be to monitor staff conduct and assess the general hygiene and conditions of the airports.
“The voluntary Special Airport Marshals shall report directly to the Honourable Minister, who will issue necessary directives to FAAN based on their findings.”
He added: “With this initiative, the Minister will no longer rely solely on official reports from Airport Managers but will also consider independent observations from these voluntary Special Airport Marshals.
“This will bring an additional transparent layer of supervision to our airports as it will ensure that Airport Managers who receive monthly allocations for airport maintenance are held accountable for their responsibilities.”
On the process of appointment of the marshals, he stated: “Over the coming weeks, the Minister will engage stakeholders in consultations to identify and appoint suitable volunteers for the Special Airport Marshal roles.
“The names of the appointed marshals will be publicly announced to ensure transparency and accountability. These initiatives underscore the Minister’s commitment to maintaining high standards of service delivery and cleanliness at Nigerian airports, ensuring they meet the needs of the travelling public.”
The statement also noted that the minister and other key personnel in the aviation industry would commence unscheduled monthly inspections of airports across the country.
“The Minister, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Managing Director of FAAN, key directors of the Ministry and FAAN, and members of the Senate and House Committees on Aviation, will conduct unscheduled monthly inspections of airports nationwide.
“During these visits, the Minister will personally participate in various operational activities, demonstrating leadership and emphasizing the value of diligent service. He will also address airport staff, hear their complaints and encourage them to uphold professionalism and serve the public courteously.”
