TheCable

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, says the federal government is determined to optimise the generating capacity of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The minister spoke during a facility tour at the Lagos airport, according to a statement on Friday, signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, the ministry’s head of public affairs.

According to Keyamo, 60 percent of the revenue of FAAN comes from Lagos airport.

Keyamo said the new terminal at the airport has 60 check-in points and could accommodate much traffic, stating that the facility ought to be optimally used.

In meeting this target, the minister inaugurated a committee to explore more revenue potentials in FAAN.

Keyamo said in the course of receiving a briefing from the FAAN management, he observed that there were many potential opportunities for ramping up the revenue profile in the agency.

He said the committee has four weeks to come up with a comprehensive report on its findings.

“I have set up a committee under the chairmanship of Emmanuel Moribole, the ministry’s permanent secretary,” Keyamo said.

“The committee is to look at advertisements at the airports, the ticketing system at the FAAN facilities, and waivers on payment of FAAN services.

“I have directed that these sources of revenue be explored to the fullest.

“The committee has four weeks to come up with a comprehensive report and proffer solutions.”

Speaking further on plans to improve airport services, Keyamo said “the old terminal should undergo a complete overhaul, the central cooling system is not working, and a lot of dilapidation needs to be fixed”.

“All airlines in the old terminal should move their check-in counters to the new terminal within 3 months,” he said.

Keyamo added that as much as he was willing to protect the local airlines, there is also a need for them to be more efficient and effective.

He said issues of flight cancellation and delays would be looked into and laws will be enforced where necessary.

The minister also directed the removal of unserviceable aircraft by the owners for the expansion of the apron.

Keyamo said he would discuss with owners of private hangers within the space for possible relocation, adding that this would give more space for the expansion of the new terminal to accommodate bigger aircraft.