Kehinde Fajobi
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the creation of a team of special marshals to conduct surprise inspections at airports across Nigeria.
The initiative is aimed at improving professionalism, service delivery, and hygiene standards at the country’s airports.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Thursday by Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood.
According to Moshood, the marshals will include media representatives, state governors’ delegates, members of non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders.
The statement explained that the initiative responds to public demand for higher standards in airport operations and customer service.
It read, “Recognising the critical need for our airports to adhere to the highest standards of customer service and operational excellence, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, has introduced new initiatives to address the expectations of the travelling public who use our airports daily.
“These key measures are designed to improve service delivery and environmental standards at these facilities. One of the initiatives is the appointment of voluntary Special Airport Marshals.”
The special marshals will report directly to Keyamo, providing independent assessments to supplement official reports from airport managers.
“With this initiative, the Honourable Minister will no longer rely solely on official reports from airport managers but will also incorporate independent observations from the voluntary Special Airport Marshals,” Moshood said.
The minister and senior officials will also carry out their own surprise inspections to ensure accountability.
“The Honourable 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,” the statement continued.
During these visits, Keyamo will personally participate in operational activities, address airport workers, and gather feedback from staff to enhance overall performance and professionalism.