The staff and management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) where taken aback earlier today when the acting president, Prof. Yeemi Osinbajo paid an unscheduled visit to the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
Accompanied on the visit by the minister of state for aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, the acting president who was conducted round the facility by FAAN’s general manager, mechanical, Mr. Ephraim Nwodo, visited the visa section and security screening area manned the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) personnel.
He was also conducted round the baggage reclaim area to see the travelator and three conveyor belts.
After Nwodo had explained the workings of the facilities to the visitors, Osinbajo who was curious to see whether the facilities were working optimally directed FAAN staff to turn them on, a request which they obliged.
Although Osinbajo did not address the media, it was observed that he, Sirika and FAAN officials led by Nwodo discussed in low tones.
The development made it difficult for journalists hear what they were saying while the inspection lasted.
A FAAN staff who commented anonymously on the visit described it as “unprecedented.”
“This is the first time a government official in the caliber of Osinbajo will be visiting the airport and inspecting facilities. I have served FAAN for many years but I have never seen a president or acting president inspecting this airport. This is the first time in the history of the Murtala Muhammed Airport. It shows that the man means business,” he said.
