The International Protocol Officers Conference (IPOC) has lauded the recent strides made by the Federal Government in modernizing travel processes.
The conference, held at the NIGAV Expo Event Centre, Murtala Muhammed Airport Ikeja, commended the efforts of the Interior and Aviation ministries in introducing electronic gate systems at international airports.
In a communique issued at the end of the conference, IPOC recognized the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for her significant contributions to improving airport services and eradicating touting.
However, the conference expressed concern over the misuse of the Nigerian flag by various state governments, agencies, and organizations.
The communique highlighted the insertion of the federal coat of arms into the flag as a misrepresentation of the national symbol of sovereignty, pledging to address this issue by seeking clarification from relevant government offices and initiating a campaign to curb flag abuse.
The conference also called for a review and update of the National Order of Precedence, which has remained unchanged since 2000 and recommended the development of national protocol guidelines to streamline state ceremonies and foster harmony within the country.
Other key recommendations included:
Professionalization of Protocol: Integrating protocol into the civil service career progression structure.
Establishment of a Council for International Protocol Profession: To enhance protocol duties and serve as an African regional platform.
Comprehensive Protocol Training: Mandating protocol-specific training for all protocol officers and prohibiting the appointment of untrained personnel.
United Front Against Touting: Encouraging a collective effort to eliminate touting at all airports.
IPOC, Africa’s largest annual gathering of protocol professionals, provides a platform for knowledge sharing, best practice exchange, and addressing diplomatic and intergovernmental travel issues.
The conference aims to facilitate travel, promote balanced inter-border exchanges, and streamline travel processes.
