…as MD FAAN emphasizes more transformation
The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos has welcomed its first passengers through the newly renovated E-Arrival Wing, offering a much-improved experience for weary travelers.
This recent project, a collaboration between the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and its partners marks a significant step towards streamlined and hassle-free arrivals at the airport.
Stepping off a British Airways flight from London, passengers were the first to experience the enhanced E-Wing.
One lucky foreigner, visiting Nigeria for the first time, received a warm welcome complete with a red carpet and a gift presented by the Airport Manager and Manager, South West Airports Mr. Sunday Ayodele, the Comptroller Immigration, Lagos airport Command and other officials.
The revamped hall boasts cultural displays celebrating Nigeria’s diverse tribes, alongside friendly greetings inscribed on the walls, adding a touch of cultural warmth to the arrival process.
Passengers familiar with the pre-renovation era were particularly impressed by the improvements.
They lauded the efficient layout, spaciousness, and amenities designed to cater to all travellers, especially those with mobility limitations.
“The transformation is remarkable,” shared one passenger. “Previously, the arrival process was often stressful, but now it feels smooth and welcoming.”
Other passengers hailed the collaboration between the private sector and government agencies to come up with a befitting refurbished hall that gives passengers a sense of belonging and home.
They however urged, the concerned agencies to sustain the regular maintenance of the facilities as they expressed fears that after sometimes, the facility may begin to fall apart if routine maintenance is not done.
“I just hope they sustain this, it is very commendable, little by little we are getting there. I love the artistic impression, the various Nigerian greetings on the walls, it is awesome, keep it up”, they say.
This renovation marks a positive step for MMIA, aiming to improve not only passenger experience but also Nigeria’s reputation as a welcoming destination.
With more enhancements planned, the future of arrivals at Lagos airport looks brighter than ever.
The FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, during an inspection of passenger and vehicular activities at the airport, emphasized the ongoing commitment to enhancing passenger experience and airport infrastructure.
“Passenger experience is critical, yes, we are opening the terminal but in addition to that, we are going to make sure we focus on the cooling system, passenger experience”.
She announced plans to tackle bottlenecks experienced during peak periods, address the issue of unauthorized greeters, and ensure a more organized environment within the airport.
Mrs Kuku who joined the traffic and security officials at the terminal over the weekend to direct traffic to make for seamless movement during the peak period promised, passengers would soon see changes in facilitation.
“Our core responsibility as FAAN is to provide a good passenger experience with good infrastructure, safety and comfort so, we will make sure that it is done”.
