THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, is one of numerous government agencies that have chosen to promote poor services at high costs. It also thinks it has no reason explaining its insensitivity to the public it is meant to serve.

Without reasons, without considering its worsening services, it hiked the passenger service charge from N350 to N1, 000. Passengers, for years, paid for this service at the point of buying tickets. They therefore never felt the impact that much or thought it was an increase in price of tickets.

Two weeks ago, FAAN not only increased the price for the service but is collecting it directly from passengers, some of who arrive at the airport unaware that they were to pay N1, 000 for a non-existent service. Some resort to borrowing or begging to raise the money for the unexpected expense.

FAAN’s decision to collect the money directly was its way of solving a challenge it had with its collecting agent. Passengers, who FAAN is supposed to serve, are unimportant, or the least important in the organisation’s priorities. Will FAAN exist without passengers?

What services does FAAN provide at the airports to warrant this increase in the service charge? We know them. Conveniences that are unfit for use – no water, or where there is water, it spills all over the floor unattended. The conveniences stink and toilet papers and soaps are a rarity. Complete the picture with beggarly cleaners who invade people’s privacies handing them towels and other materials that should have been placed at points of use.

The passenger lounges are small, the seats are inadequate. Passengers stand, it could be for hours as they wait for delayed flights. FAAN is nowhere to be found when the lounges are over-filled, poorly air-conditioned with things in short supply. Are these not the services for which it is making passengers to pay more?

In the manner of collecting the money, FAAN is thinking only of its own convenience. It is under the illusion that everyone travelling by air has N1, 000 to throw away at the shortest notice. If it sees the numbers of passengers who are confused about this fee, demanded while boarding passes are being issued, it would have known what inconvenience it is causing passengers.

Few would be surprised at FAAN’s attitude, which reflects how government treats the people. Air travel is for only those who afford it, along with any inconvenient charge FAAN imposes. FAAN expects only the rich – these days mainly politicians and government officials – to travel by air. It would be surprised anyone is complaining since this class has enough money (from public funds) to pay whatever FAAN charges.

The embarrassment and humiliation for passengers who are unaware of this service charge must stop. FAAN should enlighten the public on its new charge and work again with the airlines to collect the money from passengers when they buy tickets. It is a tidier arrangement and more convenient for passengers.

Moreover, services at the airports must improve. FAAN can no longer justify collecting service charges, for deteriorating services, and have the effrontery to increase the charge, and the discourtesy not to inform passengers.

Other government agencies too should learn to put the convenience of the public ahead of their crave for money. They exist for the public.