The Federal Government has announced the launch of a new initiative involving voluntary Special Airport Marshals who will be tasked with monitoring staff conduct and evaluating hygiene standards at airports across Nigeria.
This move, unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is part of a broader strategy to improve the quality of services and elevate the travel experience for passengers.
Though the marshals have yet to be selected, they will be drawn from various public-spirited individuals, including members of the media, Fourth Estate of the Realm, representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations, and state government representatives.
These marshals will be responsible for conducting unscheduled visits to airports, offering independent assessments, and directly reporting their findings to the Minister of Aviation.
A statement released on Thursday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, outlined the details of the initiative.
“The Minister, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, will appoint voluntary Special Airport Marshals who are resident in cities where airports are located. These Marshals, comprising public-spirited individuals drawn from members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and representatives of State Governors, will conduct unscheduled visits to the airports. Their role will be to monitor staff conduct and assess the general hygiene and conditions of the airports,” it read.
This initiative is expected to reduce the reliance on official reports provided by airport management, introducing a fresh layer of independent oversight.
The aim is to ensure greater accountability for the monthly funds allocated for airport maintenance, preventing any discrepancies or inefficiencies.
Further details shared in the statement revealed that over the next few weeks, the Minister would engage with key stakeholders to identify and appoint the appropriate volunteers.
Once selected, the names of the chosen marshals will be publicly announced to ensure transparency.
This move will also foster a sense of responsibility and engagement within the community, helping to bolster the public’s confidence in the aviation sector.
In addition to the Special Airport Marshals program, Keyamo announced another critical aspect of the initiative—monthly unscheduled inspections of Nigerian airports.
These inspections, aimed at ensuring that airports maintain the highest standards of customer service and operational excellence, will be led by the Minister himself.
Other members of the delegation include the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, senior ministry directors, as well as members of the Senate and House Committees on Aviation.
During these inspections, the Minister will actively engage with airport staff, participate in operational activities, and address any concerns.
The focus will be on reinforcing professionalism and courtesy towards passengers.
By combining these surprise visits with the deployment of the Special Airport Marshals, the government hopes to achieve greater transparency, ensure better service delivery, and uphold the efficiency of operations at Nigerian airports.
The strategic combination of these new initiatives underscores the commitment of the Ministry of Aviation to improving airport standards and ensuring that Nigerian airports offer a top-tier experience for travelers.
