By LAWANI MIKAIRU

The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah has recorded many achievements in the last two years. However, her major glaring landmarks are in the remodeling of the nation’s airports, and the aerotropolis concept which is aimed at building airport cities.

Part of the  minister’s achievement is the   signing of the Passenger Statement of Rights. It ensures that in all circumstances, airlines remain alive to their obligations to customers and there are sanctions for default. As part of the steps taken to protect consumers, the Ministry has engaged with some foreign airlines on unfair regional disparity in ticket pricing.

The Ministry has  also advanced  the process for the floating of a new national carrier that will be fully owned by the public. This will enable Nigeria respond to her reciprocal obligations under  Bilateral Air Service Agreement, BASA. There has  also been Independent Power Projects ,IPP, for designated Airports

As  part of the National Aviation Masterplan , the minister has embarked on the remodeling of the  nation’s airport. This remodeling project is the biggest  terminal construction project  undertaken by any aviation minister in recent times . Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu  airports have benefited from this remodelling projects. . Work has already begun to provide these facilities to meet international standards and best practice, thereby giving Nigerians and visitors  modern and luxurious airports.

The successful first phase of the plan has seen eleven airports  being remodeled and reconstructed. Both terminals at Lagos along with the terminals at Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, Calabar, Benin, Jos, Yola, Kaduna and Owerri have  received and are receiving a complete overhaul to improve services and  passenger experience. Work is also commencing to remodel a further nine airports.

These are  Maiduguri, Katsina, Sokoto, Akure, Ibadan, Bauchi, Ilorin and Jalingo. In addition, runway resurfacing has been approved at Calabar, Maiduguri, Sokoto and Ibadan airports, which will improve take-off and landing capabilities. Abuja has been earmarked for a second runway, which will increase traffic and passenger numbers. At the end of this second phase, all 22 airports under the management of FAAN will be completely overhauled and transformed,

The new passenger terminals will incorporate modern facilities such as  wide concourses, plentiful check-in desks, baggage drop services, state-of-the-art scanning and baggage handling, international retail concessions, restaurants and washrooms. They will provide the domestic and international traveler with stress-free journeys in a relaxing and truly modern environment.

Six cargo terminals  are also to be built across the country, enabling perishable goods to be moved more easily.