The managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Rabiu Yadudu has commended the senate committee on aviation for the support, collaboration and co-operation in its (FAAN’s) bid to realise its vision of being among the best airport groups in the world.
Yadudu made the declaration when the committee led by its chairman, Mr. Smart Adeyemi did its oversight at the agency’s headquarters annex in Lagos yesterday
He highlighted some of the achievements of the Authority in the recent time to include massive upgrade, rehabilitation and remodeling of existing terminals at FAAN’s 21 local airports, construction of five brand new world-class international terminals, certification of the international airports in Lagos and Abuja, improvement in safety and security of the airports, which culminated in the recognition of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as the best improved airport in safety by Airports Council International, Africa Region, positioning of airports for COVID -19 operations, among others.
It should be noted that Abuja and Port Harcourt airports have commissioned for use; Lagos and Kano will be commissioned before the end of the first quarter of 2021, while Enugu will come next.
It is also noteworthy that Kano and Port Harcourt airports are yet to be certified.
He also enumerated some of the challenges militating against the realisation of the agency’s goals to include, capacity and contribution of airports to revenue generation, human capacity development, infrastructural gap, economic challenges affecting revenue generation, accumulated debts, rising operating and maintenance cost, amongst others.
Yadudu requested the committee to assist and collaborate with FAAN in finding lasting solutions to the challenges.
Responding, Adeyemi said the purpose of the visit was to fulfill the legislative oversight requirement, evaluate how resources that have been allocated are being utilised and assist in addressing challenges affecting the industry.
He commended the agency for the recent ratings saying the achievements call for more hard work.
He noted that the committee was not able to discharge its duties last year due to the effect of the coronavirus pandemic, but stated that this year would be different as they will be visiting more regular.
