By Dickson Omobola

Keyamo credited the management of the Federal Airports Authority, FAAN, with the hard work, noting that the Immigration, Customs officers and other security agencies have also improved their performance.

The minister spoke while unveiling the renovated E Wing Departure Terminal at the MMIA and the introduction of four CNG-powered buses.

He said: “People say their experience through this airport has improved a lot. There is less harassment, more professionalism on the part of all the agencies here. I want to thank them and appeal to them to continue. To give an update, we have been working with the National Security Adviser. The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, and myself, have sought his cooperation.

“We had engaged him over the last few months. We have written to the National Security Adviser and informed him of the steps we have, concrete steps we have taken now. And for him to inform the agencies to cooperate with us. So that as a nation, we can all work hand in hand to have a good arrival gateway into the country.”

On the refurbished terminal, Keyamo said it was part of the general plan of FAAN endorsed by the Ministry to remodel the country’s airports in partnership with private entities to make them more user friendly.

He said: “Our concessionaires, in partnership with the United Bank for Africa, UBA, have done a tremendous amount of work. We want to thank them so much, they’ve been in partnership with us for quite a long time. What you see here today is the outcome of that partnership. I am sure you see the new floor, the more lighted departure hall and of course the adverts everywhere of the UBA.”

Meanwhile, Group Managing Director of UBA, Oliver Alawuba, said the renovated terminal represented not only a milestone in the enhancement of the country’s aviation infrastructure, but was also a testament to the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Alawuba said: “Public-Private Partnerships, PPPs, are more than contractual arrangements; they are vehicles for transformation. They provide an avenue to leverage private sector expertise, innovation, and resources to complement government efforts in addressing critical national challenges. The renovation we unveil today 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 catalyses 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. Like the minister said, this is just the E-departure. We are also going to do the D-departure. We will continue to work with FAAN to improve the image of our country.”

Alawuba also hailed the minister for improving Nigeria’s compliance with the Cape Town Convention, CTC, saying it has increased Nigeria’s compliance score from 49 to 70.5 per cent making aircraft leasing and financing more accessible for Nigerian airlines.

Highlighting Keyamo’s achievements, he said: “Expanded Bilateral Air Service Agreements, BASA, with several countries, allowing Nigerian airlines access to more international routes and fostering collaboration with foreign airlines.

“Advanced the construction of a second runway at Abuja Airport to accommodate growing passenger traffic. Ordered the relocation of FAAN headquarters from Abuja to Lagos, saving over N500 million in travel expenses.

“These achievements highlight the Minister’s strategic approach to revitalizing Nigeria’s aviation industry through infrastructure improvements, policy reforms, partnerships and cost-saving measures.”