FAAN to overhaul cargo operations at MMIA with biometrics, modern facilities
BY CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is set to bring sanity to the cargo section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja, with planned introduction of biometrics for all occupants.
Already, the process of the sanitization has commenced with the markings of some shops for demolition to give way for construction of a befitting structure as the airport accounts for over 90 per cent of cargo in the country
Investigation revealed that in the process of sanitizing the cargo business, only those statutorily recognised by law will be allowed access to operate in order to create enabling environment, while facilities that will support cargo process will be improved upon.
It was gathered that the Cargo development and services has kick started the process of registering all the agencies in the section to ensure proper documentation.
With the division of the place into three, registration, biometrics and the access control, it’s expected that when completed nobody will be allowed into the area from the gate.
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It was also gathered that movement of trucks will be reduced as the ‘call up’ system will be adopted for trucks, only those with cargo will be expected to access the area with proof
Within few weeks of the commencement of registration, over 80 percent of the Customs licensed agents has been documented while the airlines and ground handlers are being done
In cargo business, efficiency, security and compliance are very important hence it was learnt that stakeholders’ engagement has commenced.
With the intention of the Directorate to develop cargo support services, such as buildings to house holding, common examination bay, sorting and packaging, it is expected that the process will eliminate human interface especially with the security agencies
So many stakeholders have expressed concern over the way the cargo section was being run saying it lacked sanity and remained a security threat without control.
Few years ago, FAAN moved to curb illegal activities and touting at the ever busy hajj camp terminated by sanitising the densely populated area by reducing commercial activities to 12 hours.
Reacting to the development, an aviation expert and the secretary of Aviation Round Table, Mr Olumide Ohunayo condemned the the way the cargo section was being run saying that the master plan of the area has never been followed.
Ohunayo noted that the inability of the managers of the place to embrace latest technology remained the bane of the section as most of activities were on paperwork instead of IT based. He commended the crowded nature of the cargo section with the way and manner trucks drop off and pick cargoes saying it gives room for stealing
Ohunayo revealed that there need to overhaul the whole system specifically the so-called automation of the entrance gate which has gone bananas.
He suggested the call up system for cargo movements through improved automation systems and stop free entry and free exit into the section.
He further condmned the attitude of agents hawking within the premises .
According to Ohunayo, what was needed at the section is proper planning saying that presence of agents at the section was not necessary and urged FAAN to go into partnership to run the area successfully
Stakeholders are of the view that with the creation of the cargo Directorate in FAAN, the face of cargo business in the country will change for better.
