*Lagos, Nigeria – September 1, 2023*
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has emphasized the significance of Lagos State in contributing to the revenue of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), noting that approximately 60 percent of FAAN’s revenue is generated from Lagos.
In a statement released by the Ministry’s Head of Press and Public Affairs, Odutayo Oluseyi, and made available to Channels Television on Friday, Minister Keyamo expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to optimizing FAAN’s revenue-generating capacity.
During a visit to the Lagos Airport on Thursday, Minister Keyamo highlighted the importance of making optimal use of the new terminal facility. He pointed out that the new terminal boasts 60 check-in points and has the capacity to handle a significant amount of air traffic.
Additionally, Minister Keyamo urged that the old terminal undergo a complete overhaul, emphasizing that several issues need attention, including the central cooling system, which is currently not operational, and various dilapidation concerns. He directed all airlines operating from the old terminal to relocate their check-in counters to the new terminal within a three-month timeframe.
Regarding the concessioning of airports and the Nigeria air project, Minister Keyamo stated that these initiatives would be put on hold (suspended) until he has the opportunity to brief the President on his findings. He expressed his commitment to supporting local airlines but also called for increased efficiency and effectiveness among them. He indicated that issues related to flight cancellations and delays would be addressed, with enforcement of relevant regulations where necessary. Furthermore, he instructed the removal of unserviceable aircraft by their owners to facilitate apron expansion.
To accommodate larger aircraft, Minister Keyamo mentioned his intention to discuss with the owners of private hangars within the space for possible relocation of their facilities.
