The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced on Thursday the establishment of a team of Special Airport Marshals assigned to conduct periodic, unscheduled visits to airports across the country to assess workers’ professionalism.
The initiative is designed to improve airport hygiene, enhance service delivery, and ensure that passenger expectations are consistently met.
According to a statement by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the team will comprise individuals from the media, representatives of state governors, and members of non-governmental organisations.
“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 Minister, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, will appoint voluntary Special Airport Marshals in cities where airports are located.
“These marshals, consisting of public-spirited individuals from the media, non-governmental organisations, and representatives of state governors, will conduct unscheduled visits to airports.
“Their role will be to monitor staff conduct and assess the overall hygiene and conditions of the airports.
“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.
“This will introduce an additional transparent layer of supervision to our airports, ensuring that airport managers, who receive monthly allocations for airport maintenance, are held accountable for their responsibilities,” he added.
Moshood further stated that “unscheduled monthly inspections of airports” would be conducted nationwide under the supervision of Keyamo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Managing Director of FAAN, key directors from the Ministry and FAAN, and members of the Senate and House Committees on Aviation.
He added that during these visits, Keyamo would personally participate in various operational activities, demonstrating leadership and underscoring the importance of diligent service.
“He will also address airport staff, listen to their concerns, and encourage them to maintain professionalism and serve the public courteously,” Moshood said.