FAAN: delivering safe, secured airports
Abdulyekeen Ibn Umar
Generally speaking, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria is growing from strength to strength with efforts geared towards sustaining international standard in airport operations. In the past, problems abounded here and there, particularly in areas of operational facilities, security and even public conveniences. But today, the standard is a pride to behold.
Hopefully the FAAN authorities will not rest on their oars but consolidate on the laudable achievements and sort out a few grey areas.
The major reason for FAAN’s success story may not be far-fetched. It is a simple logic of putting a round peg in a round hole. Aviation is a very delicate and sensitive operation with safety and security combining to form the most critical area. As a result, discerning voices amongst aviation stakeholders in the country never cease to advocate for professionalism in the industry.
The question of who holds the key position particularly the helmsman in each of the aviation parastatal or agency should not be trivialised. Such position must be filled by “indigenous” personnel, like professionals with high pedigree of experience in the industry taking charge of the system will entrench legacies in the system like the present management .
It is on the above premise that I hold the present Minister of State for Aviation, Captain Hadi Sirika in high esteem. His pragmatic approach towards professionalism ensured that a seasoned professional engineer, Saleh Dunoma was appointed as managing director of FAAN.
Engineer Dunoma has spent about thirty five years in the industry and quite conversant with intricacies of its operations. The result is what we are seeing today .
It is kudos to the minister and the managing director for working in tandem with the change agenda of the present administration. I can also recall one of the similar cases in the past when Dr. Harold Demuren was appointed as Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA. Because he was a professional, he brought his vast experience in the industry to bear and the result was lofty achievement.
Aviation is a global industry with global standard for operation as prescribed and controlled by the International Civil Aviation Organisation certification. With the efforts of FAAN so far, I am not in doubt that the country’s airports rate among the best on the African continent. Such positive development brings assurance and encouragement to stakeholders, including airline operators and the travelling public .
It is advisable for the Government to adopt a similar style in subsequent or further appointments into the aviation parastatals or agencies. Not on political or tribal sentiments. If such must be appointed, they should be as board members . FAAN is doing well and must be commended. It should not rest on its oars and go back to the old ways. God forbid, if it happens, I will be the first to condemn it.
With the recent certification of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, it has again shown that the management of FAAN is not resting on its oars and is determined to take the airports to greater heights.
Ibn Umar is publisher of Aviation and Maritime Safety report.
