The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced plans to establish a team of special marshals tasked with monitoring staff behaviour and assessing the hygiene and overall conditions of airports.
This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood shared.
According to Moshood, the initiative aims to enhance professionalism and hygiene standards at airports while ensuring they consistently meet passenger expectations.
The special marshals will be drawn from a wide range of groups, including media professionals, state governors’ representatives, members of non-governmental organisations, and other key stakeholders.
The statement read:
“Recognising the critical need for our airports to meet the highest standards of customer service and operational excellence, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, has introduced new measures to address the expectations of the travelling public who use our airports daily.
“These measures are designed to improve service delivery and environmental standards at these facilities. One such initiative is the appointment of voluntary Special Airport Marshals.
“In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, the Minister will appoint voluntary Special Airport Marshals in cities with airports. These marshals, comprising public-spirited individuals from the media, NGOs, and representatives of state governors, will conduct unannounced visits to airports. Their role will involve monitoring staff behaviour and assessing the hygiene and overall condition of airport facilities.”
Moshood further explained that the marshals would report directly to Keyamo, who will then instruct the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) based on their findings.
“With this initiative, the Honourable Minister will no longer rely solely on official reports from airport managers but will integrate independent observations from the Special Airport Marshals. This will provide an additional transparent layer of oversight for our airports, ensuring that airport managers, who receive monthly allocations for maintenance, are held accountable for their responsibilities,” he added.
The statement also noted that the Minister, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Managing Director of FAAN, key directors, and members of the Senate and House Committees on Aviation, will conduct unscheduled monthly inspections of airports across the country.
“During these visits, the Honourable Minister will personally engage in various operational activities, demonstrating leadership and underscoring the importance of dedicated service. He will also address airport staff, listen to their concerns, and encourage them to uphold professionalism and provide courteous service to the public.”
