In recent weeks, there has been an increase in reports of solicitation and extortion at the nation’s international airports. This has prompted the formation of a task force to address the issue.

In this interview, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, discussed preventive measures and screening systems implemented to eradicate illicit activities. During the discussion on Channels TV, Mr. Kuku also provided insights into the potential of harnessing Nigeria’s air cargo capabilities and increasing passenger traffic.

Excerpts:

What are you doing about those harassing people for money at our airports?

As you know, there are multiple security agencies at the airport. The Aviation Security team referred to as AVSEC is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all of the security agencies at the airports. Over the last few weeks, we have put a task force together. By the way, this has been a recurring task force from the past administration.

This time, we have been quite lucky to have it championed by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; and the National Security Adviser. Given the fact that the NSA is responsible for coordinating the majority of these security agencies across the country and given that they are directly under his purview, we have met on several occasions.

We have deployed tactics and initiatives to ensure that there is visibility around individuals who are actually supposed to be at the airport and ensuring that when they are not supposed to be on duty, we are managing their activities. In addition, there are measures that have been put in place to ensure that they are identified.

If you are asked for fund at the airport, please ensure you report to those particular individuals. Given the fact that the airports are a major gateway into the country, this is a deterrent. Over the next couple of weeks, you will be seeing additional initiatives and measures. Very simple things such as QR code where you can just scan, send messages either to us at FAAN or SERVICOM will be unveiled.

I recall meeting with the Director General of SERVICOM last week, we are working tactically. Severe measures have been put in place to make sure that anyone found wanting will definitely be punished. This is also a warning and a call to the agencies and individuals to please not patronise them for any reason.

There are measures to ensure that we have the right security and screening equipment where possible at most of the terminals to make sure that prohibited materials that are being sorted through are actually going through the screening machines. Other than the secondary searches that happen pre-boarding, the Minister has made provisions for additional security equipment where necessary so that we can stop some of the manual searches. That is also dependent on the country into which you are flying.

Is there a timeframe as to when we will start having our airports look the way we want them to look?

There is a timeframe. We have put an implementation roadmap together. I think in the immediate, over the next six months, what we are looking for is just the basic infrastructure. If you go to MMIA, look at the lighting systems and the immediate environment. In the medium term, which is where we try to focus on larger infrastructure upgrades, expansion of the terminals and some are ongoing. At least we are looking to the next two to three years.

If you look at airports like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, we have started some minor rehabilitation works. There are some mistakes made in the past that we are looking to correct. We are working with a consortium of consultants and engineers to make sure that we can actually correct them. I can assure you that over the next six months, as we get into the holiday period, there will be dramatic improvement from the cooling perspective.

Cargo potential

There is significant potential for cargo transportation in Nigeria, particularly in the air cargo sector, as the country relies heavily on imports. Over the past few years, approximately 280,000 tonnes of cargo have been processed.

It is crucial to ensure that cargo terminals are strategically located in proximity to markets where products can be efficiently aggregated or consolidated for distribution. However, some designated cargo airports lack adequate infrastructure and efficient transportation networks to facilitate the movement of goods from production centers to the airports.

Leveraging private sector

In my professional opinion, it is imperative that we explore the potential of private sector involvement to enhance our cargo infrastructure. Various models can be considered, including management contracts, concessions, and the establishment of special purpose vehicles.

Given the existing expertise and technical capabilities within the private sector, partnering with them can significantly contribute to driving this initiative forward. By setting up special purpose vehicles and potentially seeding our current infrastructure, we can establish a clear direction for the future development of our cargo infrastructure.

Driving passenger traffic

Passenger traffic is not driven by the construction of new airports, but rather by economic activities such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. Therefore, it is important to consider the key activities that can drive traffic into new airports, such as trade, manufacturing, and tourism.

At the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), we are actively collaborating with international organizations like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Federal Ministry of Aviation to explore strategies for increasing domestic and international routes. Additionally, we are implementing initiatives to transform Nigerian airports into transit hubs, recognizing the importance of infrastructure development in achieving this goal.