FG kicks off reform of MMIA, GAT terminals
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the dismantling of joint inspection tables operated by multiple security agencies in a bid to streamline the passenger processing system.
Going forward, inspections will prioritise intelligence-based searches, advanced scanning technology, and passenger profiling to improve efficiency and precision.
Furthermore, new observation zones equipped with surveillance cameras will be established to ensure real-time monitoring of key areas, promoting greater transparency and accountability.
The initiative, named Operation Air Clean, which is led by Minister Keyamo, is designed to combat corruption, boost transparency, and enhance passenger satisfaction at both the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and the General Aviation Terminal (GAT).
These reforms come at a crucial time, as airports prepare for the high-volume travel period at the end of the year, when passenger numbers typically surge.
As part of the new measures, officers from the Department of State Services (DSS) and Immigration will now collaborate at integrated checkpoints, eliminating duplicate screening processes for outbound passengers and reducing delays significantly. Customs officials will also be repositioned at Aviation Security (AVSEC) screening points to streamline currency declaration procedures while ensuring compliance with regulations.
Arriving passengers will undergo secondary screening in dedicated profiling rooms located in Terminals 1 and 2. These rooms will display real-time information about the officers on duty, including their names, agencies, and contact details, enhancing transparency during search procedures.
Personnel from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) will assist AVSEC officers at screening points and conduct random checks in the arrival halls, redefining roles for better security oversight.
A mobile court will be set up at the airport to expedite the prosecution of offenders, particularly touts and those involved in illegal activities.
To further enhance the passenger experience, secure meet-and-greet zones will be established for visitors awaiting arriving passengers.
Minister Keyamo has made it clear that misconduct will not be tolerated within the airport premises. Bureau de Change operators and car hire staff who engage in loitering or unauthorised activities will face immediate prosecution. Businesses that fail to comply with operational guidelines risk having their licenses suspended or revoked.
Additional improvements will include upgraded lighting and signage to improve visibility and ease of navigation throughout the airport. Prominent signs will enforce the three-minute pickup rule, while free Wi-Fi services will be made available within the terminals to provide greater convenience for travellers.
At the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), a timed parking system will replace the current arrangement, with charges applied for both short-term and long-term parking. To reduce congestion, the number of car hire vehicles permitted in the parking zone will be limited. Ongoing enforcement measures will eliminate touting and harassment by drivers, ensuring a safer and more organised environment for passengers.
Commenting on the reforms, Minister Keyamo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to aligning Nigerian airports with international standards.
“The Federal Government is dedicated to ensuring that our airports meet the highest standards of security, service delivery, and transparency. These reforms are an important step in transforming the passenger experience and addressing longstanding challenges. I commend the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for its proactive leadership in implementing these measures, and I assure Nigerians of the government’s continued support in advancing the aviation sector,” he stated.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has called on stakeholders, airport users, and the general public to support *Operation Air Clean*. This initiative represents a significant step towards building safer, more efficient, and passenger-friendly airports across Nigeria.
