The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched “Operation Air Clean” to tackle corruption, curb illicit activities, and improve the passenger experience at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and General Aviation Terminal (GAT).
The reform details were shared in a Position Document released by FAAN and posted by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday.
Keyamo confirmed the approval of these measures, stating, “Yesterday, I approved some far-reaching measures by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) aimed at curbing the menace of harassment of travelers by various agencies of government stationed at our international airports. We have received too many complaints, and it is time to act decisively!”
These measures are designed to modernize operations at both MMIA and GAT, ensuring enhanced service delivery, improved security, and an overall better experience for passengers, particularly as the high-volume travel season approaches.
Key reforms for MMIA and GAT
At MMIA, the core reforms include the immediate dissolution of joint inspection tables previously operated by security agencies. These tables will be replaced by intelligence-based searches, scanners, and individual profiling, which are expected to streamline passenger processing, reduce delays, and improve overall efficiency.
- Customs officials will also relocate to the AVSEC screening point for money declaration, while the Department of State Services (DSS) and Immigration Service personnel will now share counters to reduce the number of checkpoints for outbound passengers.
- In terms of transparency, dedicated profiling rooms will be set up in Terminals 1 and 2 for secondary screening. These rooms will feature real-time screens displaying officers’ names, agencies, and contact details.
A mobile court will be established within the airport to expedite the prosecution of offenders, particularly touts and those engaged in illegal activities.
- Additionally, the zero-tolerance policy for misconduct will ensure the immediate prosecution of any Bureau De Change (BDC) or car-hire staff found loitering or operating outside designated areas. Businesses found violating these regulations will face shutdowns, and their rights to operate in terminals will be revoked.
- Further reforms at MMIA include the designation of secure, convenient spaces for visitors awaiting arriving passengers, enhanced lighting for landside and concourse areas, and large signs promoting a three-minute pickup rule and free Wi-Fi for passengers.
- At GAT, reforms will include the introduction of a timed parking system, with payments required for both short-term and long-term parking. The regulation of car hire vehicles will also be enforced, limiting the number of vehicles allowed in the parking lot at any given time.
- Additionally, stringent measures will be implemented to eliminate touting and harassment of passengers, creating a more secure and orderly environment for travelers.
With Operation Air Clean now in effect, both MMIA and GAT are expected to become models of efficiency, safety, and transparency, offering passengers a smoother and more enjoyable experience throughout the upcoming busy travel period.
