The Federal Government has introduced voluntary Special Airport Marshals to oversee staff conduct and assess hygiene standards at Nigerian airports.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made this announcement on Thursday.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve service delivery and enhance the travel experience for the public.
Though the marshals have not been selected yet, they will include public-spirited individuals from the media, Non-Governmental Organizations, and State Governor representatives.
Their responsibilities will involve conducting surprise visits to airports, offering independent assessments, and reporting directly to the Minister.
This was confirmed in a statement released by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood on Thursday.
“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,” the statement read in part.
To promote transparency and accountability, the statement added that the Minister will consult with stakeholders in the coming weeks to identify and appoint suitable volunteers. The names of the selected marshals will be announced publicly after the consultations are concluded.
This initiative aims to reduce dependence on official reports from airport managers by adding an extra layer of independent oversight, ensuring accountability for the monthly allocations designated for airport maintenance.
In addition to the voluntary special airport marshals, the Aviation Minister also announced a plan for unscheduled monthly inspections of airports. This initiative aims to ensure that Nigerian airports uphold the highest standards of customer service and operational excellence.
The statement revealed that the Minister, along with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), key directors, and members of the Senate and House Committees on Aviation, will spearhead these inspections. These visits will enable the Minister to engage in operational activities, provide leadership, and directly address staff concerns.
