IOD parleys FAAN on airports remodelling, concession

In a bid to address current challenges on remodelling and concession of Nigerian airports, the Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoD), has provided a platform to discuss and educate other stakeholders on latest concerns and keep them abreast on innovation in the sector.

Indeed, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), had refuted remodelling and concession of Nigerian airports, noting that it is not selling them to private owners as misconstrued, but leasing some parts for some years and later return to the owners the federal government.

The Managing Director, (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma, in his presentation, titled: “Nigeria Airports remodelling and concession: Challenges and prospects”, maintained that since aviation business is capital-intensive and infrastructure are over stretched, there is need for private partner participation in the concession process.

Dunoma who was represented by the Director, Legal services, Ngozi Jipreze, explained that under the concession process, the Federal Government still retains the ownership of all airports and facilities, which may not be so with privatisation.

The Federal Government as the primary investor in Nigeria’s 22 airports has gradually opened doors for genuine private investors to partner and work with it to explore the various opportunities in the sector through concession process.

He maintained that the concession process would be transparent and undergo due process with terms and conditions put in place for necessary commercial offerings, which will result in renewed interest by investors in the sector.

He added that other areas such as airports security and safety, data gatherings, and technical advisers among others would be considered in the concession process.

The FAAN boss disclosed that the remodelling and concession of Nigeria Airports would bring new business opportunities and employment after the massive reconstruction and upgrade of airport terminals at the 22 federal government owned airports across the country, with improved service delivery and good standards.

Dunoma also allayed the fears of some aviation workers that the concession process would lead to massive job losses in the aviation agencies.

He explained that beyond improving operational efficiency and passenger facilitation, the new terminal facilities when completed, would create opportunities for more investments to make the airports more user friendly and offer passengers a whole new travel experience in line with international standards and practices.

He said: “Stakeholders and partners in airport services delivery including the airlines, handling companies, retailers, contractors among others have been aligned with these objectives to improve customer service standards.”

The Chairman, Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoD), Samuel Yemi Akeju, who spoke at the Institute’s monthly meeting in Lagos, noted that the forum addresses current sensitive issues in many sectors; even as it is designed tp establish and maintain contact among business leaders at the highest levels. It also interfaces with government for the creation and entrenchment of favourable business friendly policies to boost economy and wealth creation.