The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this during a recent visit to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
Keyamo, who spoke through the Head Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi, stated that 60 per cent of FAAN’s revenue comes from Lagos, emphasising the need to utilise the new terminal effectively.
He added that the new terminal boasts 60 check-in points and has the capability to handle a significant amount of air traffic.
Keyamo also addressed the state of the old terminal, stating that it requires a complete overhaul.
Notably, the central cooling system is not functioning, and there are numerous areas that require maintenance.
As a result, the Minister directed all airlines operating in the old terminal to relocate their check-in counters to the new terminal within a period of three months.
According to the statement, “Keyamo said 60% revenue of FAAN comes from Lagos and as such the new terminal should be used optimally.
“On concession of the airports and Nigeria air project, the Minister said all will be put on hold (suspended) until he briefs Mr President on his findings. He stated that as much as he is willing to protect the local airlines, he expects them to be more efficient and effective, noting that issues of flight cancellation and delays will be looked into and laws enforced where necessary. He further directed the removal of unserviceable aircraft by the owners for the expansion of Apron.
“To give space for the expansion of the new terminal to accommodate bigger aircraft, Keyamo said he would discuss with owners of private hangers within the space for possible relocation of their hangers.”
Meanwhile, FAAN, in a statement on Friday signed by Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, said the minister set up a committee to optimise the agency’s revenue generation capacity.
According to Yakubu-Funtua, the committee has been given four weeks to come up with a comprehensive report and proffer solutions.
The statement read, “The Honorable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in the course of receiving briefing from the FAAN Management observed that there are so many potential opportunities for ramping up the revenue profile of the agency.
“To this end, the minister has directed that these sources of revenue be explored to the fullest.
“Accordingly, the Honorable Minister has set up a committee under the chairmanship of the Permanent Secretary to look at; Advertisements at the Airports, Ticketing at all FAAN Facilities and Waivers on payments of FAAN Services.
