FAAN launches ‘Operation Air Clean’ in MMIA

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says Operation Air Clean has been launched to address critical challenges at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and the General Aviation Terminal (GAT).

According to statements released on Friday morning, this resolution was reached after an emergency high-level meeting chaired by the Managing Director and attended by Heads of Agencies, the HQ Taskforce, and FAAN Directors.

These measures, according to the release, are in line with FAAN’s unwavering commitment to achieving world-class standards in service delivery, security, and passenger satisfaction across its managed airports, and are fully endorsed by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

The statement revealed that the moves are designed to eliminate corrupt practices, curb illicit activities, and enhance the travel experience, particularly during the high-volume end-of-year travel season.

Some of the resolutions reached by FAAN for Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) include the elimination of Joint Inspection Tables, immediate dissolution of joint inspection tables by security agencies, transition to intelligence-based searches, scanners, and individual profiling.

Besides, camera-based passenger observation will now be fixed around a dedicated area to help streamline passenger processing while DS and Immigration Service personnel will now share counters to reduce checkpoints for outbound passengers, enhancing travel flow. Customs will relocate to the AVSEC screening point for money declaration.

Secondary screening will be done in a profiling room upon arrival to enhance transparency in search procedures. The rooms will be situated at Terminals 1 and 2. Real-time screens will be installed in the profiling rooms, displaying the names, agencies, and contact details of officers on duty to ensure transparency.

As part of its ongoing efforts to redefine agency roles at the MMIA, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) personnel will partner with AVSEC at screening points and conduct roving checks in the arrival hall, while Department of State Security (DSS) officers will rove around the departure and screening areas.

FAAN stated further in its release that there will be swift activation of the mobile court to help expedite the prosecution of offenders, especially touts. On the establishment of meet-and-greet areas within the airport, the statement revealed that RGM will designate a secure, convenient space for visitors awaiting arriving passengers, with zero tolerance for misconduct.

The aviation body, however, warned that there will be immediate prosecution of any BDC or car hire staff found loitering or engaging in unauthorized activities. Also, the immediate prosecution of any BDC or car hire staff found outside of the designated areas. Defaulting businesses will also face shutdowns and withdrawals of rights to operate in terminals.

As part of its continuous effort to checkmate criminal activities, FAAN promised to improve lighting for landside and concourse areas. There will be large signs to enforce a three-minute pickup rule and promote free Wi-Fi for passengers.

FAAN also vowed to introduce a parking system that requires payment for short- and long-term parking. Besides, a limited number of car hire vehicles will be allowed in the car park at any time, while ensuring that all measures will be enforced to eliminate touting and harassment of passengers by drivers.

In his words, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), says the federal government is committed to ensuring that Nigerian airports align with international standards of efficiency, transparency, and passenger satisfaction.

“The Federal Government is committed to ensuring our airports operate at the highest standards of security, service delivery, and transparency. These reforms are a critical step toward transforming the passenger experience and addressing systemic challenges. I commend FAAN for its proactive leadership in implementing these measures and assure Nigerians of the Government’s continued support in advancing the aviation sector,” he said.

FAAN therefore called on all stakeholders, airport users, and the general public to cooperate and support Operation AirClean as the aviation body collectively works toward building a safer, more efficient, and passenger-friendly airport environment.