The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPC, Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company limited SNEPCO and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have been lauded for their joint Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos.
The oil and gas giants were commended in turn by the Minister of Interior, Dr Bunmi Tunji Ojo, Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide SanwoOlu during the unveiling of the refurbished and remodeled E-Arrival Wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos sponsored by the NNPC/SNEPCO and other partner ventures.
The stakeholders said the partnership of NNPC/SNEPCO and NIS on the renovation of the facility is a testament to the positive impact achievable when public and private entities come together to promote a good cause.
The project was initiated a about a year ago by the Comptroller of Immigration Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos Command , NIS, Comptroller Adeola Adesokan. The project was completed within six weeks through sponsorship of NNPC/SNEPCO partnership.
In his speech at the unveiling of the refurbished and remodelled E-Arrival wing of the Lagos international airport, Managing Director Chief Executive of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN Alhaji Kabir Yusuf Mohammed who was represented by the Director of Airports Operations, Captain Mukhtar Yusuf Muyel while appreciating the initiator and sponsors of the project, said the renovation of the facility is a symbol of progress and a beacon of national growth.
“Your dedication to the development of our infrastructure is a testament to your investment in Nigerian future. This renovation signifies more than just an upgrade of our facilities. It is a symbol of progress, a beacon of our nation’s growth, and a clear indication of commitment to seamless passage of passengers through our airport facilities,” Mohammed said.
He continued, “It is a step towards making Nigeria a key player in global aviation industry.”
Mohammed who noted that the Lagos Airport is not just a gateway to Nigeria, but a hub to sub-Saharan Africa as a whole, assured that with the project, every traveller, whether Nigerian or international, will experience the warmth, efficiency, and spirit of excellence that our country embodies. As we commission this project today, let us remember that it is not just about the ambience, beauty, but about the people who will use them. It is about the travellers who will pass through our gates, the staff who will work within these walls, and countless individuals who will benefit from the increased connectivity”
He promised that FAAN will continue to strive for excellence, to improve her infrastructure, and to make Nigeria a destination of choice for the whole.
Muyel however urged NNPC/ SNEPCO to extend its philanthropic gesture to the D wing of the airport , even as he restated the commitment of FAAN to pursue the agenda of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo for the industry.
Also in his address at the event, The Minister of Interior Dr. BUummi Tunji Ojo noted that what NIS has done is the manifestation of the reforms, he has brought into the service as the Minister.
Ojo noted the era where government business is seen as no man business is gone forever in the service.
He reaffirmed that the new orientation which is inline with the President Bola Timubu mantra of Renewed Hope is to treat government’s business with the same vigour they will put into their personal businesses.
The Minister noted that it is only in doing this, the nation can aspire its deserved position among the comity of development focussed nations.
In his speech at the event, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter- Governmental Affairs, Gbenga Oyerinde commended the sustainable development partnership between NNPC/ SNEPCO and NIS at the airport, noting that it is a dividend of collaborative efforts between the public and private sector.
SanwoOlu who acknowledged the outstanding generosity and unwavering commitment of NNPC/ SNEPCO to the principle of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) leading to the execution of the project, noted, “This remarkable project is not merely a physical transformation, it is a symbol of our dedication to foster seamless passengers’ journey and upholding Nigerian reputation as a welcoming destination.”
He added that the airport is positioned to give first and lasting impression to visitors, tourists, and high-net-worth investors. Thus, the remodeling of the Arrival Wing is indeed a major accomplishment that will significantly improve the status of this airport and provide a beautiful and lasting experience for all visitors in Nigeria.
While affirming that the project being a testament to the positive impact that can be achieved when public and private entities come together to promote a good cause. It is a symbol of what can be accomplished when businesses invest not just in their own successes but also in the prosperity of the people they serve”
He continued, “The Arrival Wings is not just about bricks and mortar, it is about creating a positive first impression for visitors to our country. It is also showcasing our commitment to efficiency, innovations, hospitality. It is all about making a statement that Nigeria is open for business and welcomes visitors with open arms. Let us not only appreciate the structure but also the spirit of partnership and share responsibility that underlies its existence.
He added that NNPC/ SNEPCO have not just built a structure, but have invested in the future of Lagos State and the welfare of its people.
SanwoOlu therefore enjoined all officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service and other relevant agencies operating in the airport to complement these facilities with improved dedication to quick and seamless service.
In her address at the commissioning of the project , The Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service CGI Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju who was full of praises to the initiator of the project, The Comptroller, Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos command of NIS, Comptroller Adeola Adesokan, said in line with President Tinubu renewed hope agenda for the countr, there is always a way when people decide to take a critical look and make the best and decide to analyse the situation and provide solutions.
“When there is a will, there is a way. With a strong will and passion and willingness to serve, there is no impossibility. For you, for this nation, the future is bright. You can rest assured,” Adepoju said.
Reacting to the laudable comments from stakeholders on their contributions to the renovated and remodeled wing of the Lagos Airport, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti,represented by is Julie Utang, the manager, stakeholder relations of NUIMS. And so on behalf of the management of the NNPC Limited, Shell, Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, SNEPCO, and her co-venture partners, Total Energies, Exxon and Agip, Julian Utang,
It was a witness of the culmination of the collaborative efforts to enhance the travel experience for countless individuals passing through the airpor. .Wunti who commended leadership and management of MMIA for entrusting NUIMS with the opportunity to contribute to the development and improvement of this crucial infrastructure said, ^The Arrival Wing is often the first impression visitors have of a city or country. And we are proud to have played a role in recreating a welcoming and efficient space..”
Similarly, the Managing Director of Shell said SNEPCO, chose to enhance the airport’s facilities because it is inline with the commitment to contribute positively to Nigeria. She said it a testament of SNEPCO collaboration with NNPC and other co-ventures.
She added that the unveiling of the project underscores the need for enhancement of critical infrastructure that benefits all Nigerians.
“With the completion of the projects, SNEPCO has made provision for the comfort and convenience of all passengers with a particular focus on the elderly and those living with disabilities. This, she said highlights the organisation’s dedication to inclusiveness, aiming to guarantee a positive and accommodating experience for all travellers.
She added, “the newly painted artworks around the Arrival E serves as a visual testament to our commitment of promoting cultural diversity, fostering belonging and encouraging inclusivity. It’s been carefully curated and it represents the people, the health, art and our cultural diversity, symbolising Nigerians’ rich cultural heritage.”
Other dignitaries at the event included the Royal Father, the Olota of Ota Kingdom, Oba, Dr. Adeyemi AbdulKabir Obalanlege and a Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu and motivational speaker, Dr. Fela Durotoye among others.
