UBA, Keyamo collaborate to launch remodelled departure hall at MMIA
Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority (FAAN), Oluwabunmi Kuku; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo and Group Managing Director, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba at the commissioning of the renovated departure hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, at the weekend.
UBA, Keyamo collaborate to launch remodelled departure hall at MMIA
… creating an environment suitable for economic growth.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, at the weekend, unveiled the remodelled E Wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
In his address, he commended the Group Managing Director of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Oliver Alawuba, for the remodelled facility which is a result of the Public, Private Partnership (PPP) between the bank and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN).
He also emphasised the importance of effective passenger facilitation, saying that the narrative of subtle extortion at the airport is gradually abating and that his ministry is working with the National Security Adviser (NSA) to ensure that all agencies involved in airport operations cooperate with each other to provide a seamless experience for passengers.
In his remarks, Alawuba said PPPs are more than contractual arrangements; they are vehicles for transformation and provide an avenue to leverage private sector expertise to complement government efforts in addressing critical national challenges.
“The renovation we unveil, underscores what is possible when we unite for a shared vision of progress. Investing in infrastructure like this is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about creating an environment that catalyzes economic growth, facilitates seamless travel experiences, and showcases Nigeria’s potential as a global player. By modernising our airports, we position our nation as a hub for tourism, trade, and international investment, unlocking opportunities that ripple across every sector of our economy,” he said.
He lauded the minister for his efforts in improving the compliance with the Cape Town Convention (CTC), which increased Nigeria’s compliance score to 70.5%, making aircraft leasing and financing more accessible for Nigerian airlines.
and launched a consumer protection portal at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
He noted that the minister expanded the Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) with several countries, allowing Nigerian airlines access to more international routes and fostering collaboration with foreign airlines, relocating foreign airlines from the old to the new terminal for enhanced service delivery.
“The minister advanced the construction of a second runway at Abuja airport to accommodate growing passenger traffic, relocated (FAAN) headquarters from Abuja to Lagos, saving over N500 million in travel expenses, initiated plans to transition airports to solar energy to reduce operational costs.
“He established a task force to eliminate illegal charter operations, ensuring a more secure and compliant aviation environment, partnered with Boeing to enhance Nigerian airlines’ capabilities by facilitating the leasing of new aircraft and providing maintenance and technical support.
These achievements highlight the Minister’s strategic approach to revitalising Nigeria’s aviation industry through infrastructure improvements, policy reforms, partnerships, and cost-saving measures,” he said.
