Saleh Dunoma, managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has initiated the implemetation of the Executive Order given by Yemi Osinbajo, acting President.
Dunoma assured Osinbajo of full compliance and has immediately put in place machinery to ensure a successful implementation of the Executive Order, which he will supervise himself.
He said the importance of the Executive Order cannot be overemphasized, especially because it will strengthen the nation’s fight against terrorism, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy that impedes business activities at our airports. He also added that, this will improve safety, security and passenger facilitation within and around the airport.
Osinbajo had earlier this month, issued an Executive Order aimed at “Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria.” By signing onto the Executive Order, FAAN has resolved that there shall be no touting whatsoever by official or unofficial persons at any port in Nigeria. “On duty staff shall be properly identified by uniform and official cards. Off duty staff shall stay away from the ports except with the express approval of the agency head. The FAAN Aviation Security (AVSEC) and Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Security shall enforce this order,” said a release by Henrietta Yakubu, acting general manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN.
It also stated that, “all non-official staff shall be removed from the secured areas of airports. No official of FAAN, Immigration, security agency or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) or any other agency is to meet any non-designated dignitary at any secure areas of the airport. The official approved list of dignitaries that have been pre-approved to be received by protocol officers shall be made available to AVSEC and other relevant agencies ahead of their arrival at the airport.”
Henceforth, official caught soliciting or receiving bribes from passengers or other port users shall be subject to immediate removal from post and disciplinary as well as criminal proceedings in line with extant laws and regulations.
Dunoma also urged passengers, airport users and the general public to cooperate with FAAN officials saddled to carry out this responsibility.
He made this remarks during a stakeholders forum held recently at the Press Centre of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja. The implementation of the executive order takes immediate effect.