The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in revitalizing and modernizing Nigeria’s airport infrastructure.
Keyamo revealed that the federal government has garnered support from various corporate entities to enhance the arrival and departure facilities at Wing D of Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. He pointed out the absence of a dedicated infrastructure ministry capable of managing large-scale airport projects, making PPPs essential for progress.
“There is currently no infrastructure ministry equipped to handle substantial projects under the existing budgeting system, which often operates at a deficit,” Keyamo explained. “Given this financial limitation, leveraging PPPs is the most viable strategy for improving our infrastructure.”
He acknowledged that while complaints about the state of airport facilities are valid, significant improvements take time. “No one can build major infrastructure within a couple of years; maintenance and incremental upgrades are crucial,” he said.
Keyamo highlighted recent collaborative efforts, noting improvements made to the arrival wing through partnerships with private companies, such as Shell. “These enhancements have transformed Wing D into a welcoming entry point for travelers,” he stated.
Looking ahead, he emphasized the need for comprehensive renovations across all terminals to establish them as efficient hubs. Keyamo also underscored the necessity of cooperation between public and private sectors to bolster local airlines, ensuring they remain competitive and reduce reliance on foreign carriers.
“This is a multi-faceted approach. We must support local airlines to thrive while ensuring that travelers benefit from competitive ticket pricing,”
To enhance the ministry’s effectiveness, Keyamo called for a shift in the mindset of airport staff. “It’s vital to improve the attitudes and training of civil servants managing these facilities, as their current approach often lacks the necessary customer-centric focus,” he concluded.
With strategic partnerships and a commitment to change, Nigeria’s airport infrastructure is set for a promising transformation.
