In a bid to enhance service delivery and operational standards at Nigerian airports, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has launched a Special Airport Marshals initiative. The announcement was made through a statement by Tunde Moshood, Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, on Thursday.
The Special Airport Marshals, drawn from diverse sectors such as media professionals, state governors’ representatives, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders, will conduct unscheduled inspections of airports. Their primary responsibilities include monitoring staff conduct, assessing cleanliness, and evaluating overall operational conditions. Findings from their assessments will be reported directly to the Minister.
Keyamo emphasized that the marshals’ reports will introduce a layer of independent oversight, reducing reliance on official updates from airport managers. This approach aims to ensure better accountability and efficient use of maintenance funds. Acting on these reports, the Minister will issue directives to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to address identified shortcomings.
In addition to the marshals’ evaluations, Keyamo and senior aviation officials will conduct monthly surprise inspections at airports nationwide. These visits will allow the Minister to engage directly with staff, address operational challenges, and promote a culture of professionalism and public service.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional service at our airports and holding airport managers accountable,” the statement read.The introduction of the Special Airport Marshals reflects Keyamo’s resolve to align Nigeria’s airport operations with global standards and meet passengers’ expectations. This comprehensive strategy underscores the administration’s dedication to improving the aviation sector’s reputation and performance.
Passengers and stakeholders alike have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism about its potential to address long-standing issues in airport management and service delivery.
