TheCable

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says anyone, including very important personalities, who refuses to comply with COVID-19 protocols will not be allowed access to airport facilities.

In a statement on Friday, the agency urged government officials and other VIPs to show leadership for other air travellers by following travel protocols stipulated by the presidential task force on COVID-19.

FAAN was reacting to denials by Abdulaziz Yari, former governor of Zamfara state, and Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, governor of Adamawa, over allegations of violating airport COVID-19 protocols at the Aminu Kano International Airport and Port Harcourt International Airport respectively.

The agency said it “holds all officials of the state in high esteem and accords them all the courtesies their status deserves” and therefore has no personal issues with both politicians.

“We are merely implementing our standard operating procedures (SOPs) to assure the success of our security and public health protocols. The protocols flouted by both personalities were duly approved by the federal government through the presidential task force on COVID-19,” the statement read.

“They were intended to protect all airport users and to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. By their actions, the two personalities put at risk not only themselves but also other airport users.

“These protocols are now part of the new normal all over the world, and no person, no matter how highly placed, is exempted from them, else he would be denied access to our facilities.”

During the briefing of the presidential task force on COVID-19 on Thursday, Hadi Sirika, the minister of aviation, had said the allegations are being investigated.

Sirika said non-compliance with airport protocols translates to unruly behaviour, an offence which he says is punishable by at least two months imprisonment.