The taskforce committee established by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo to monitor the relocation of airlines to the newly constructed terminal two (T2) of Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos has berated some of the equipment installed at the terminal their substandard qualities.
According to a statement made available to the media by ministry’s spokesman, Oluseyi Odutayo, the committee made this known in Abuja on Friday, through its leader, Engineer Hassan Musa while submitting its report to the Minister
Musa who is a retired Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Aviation, told the Minister among other things that some equipment installed at the new terminal do not meet the standard of equipment meant for international airport terminals. He also noted that entry and exit points at the terminal are indequate with consequences which could be disastrous in emergency situations.
Relating the expanded terms of reference of the Task force, Musa said part of the findings shows that the fire incident which necessitated the sudden movement of all airlines to Terminal 2 compounded the challenges that has been existing since the terminal became operational in April 2022.
Receiving the report of the committee, Keyamo who thanked them for accepting to serve the nation selflessly, noted that the Lagos Airport accounts for 60 percent of entry and exit points in Nigeria.
The Minister who also note that the old Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International airport is in a state of disrepai, reiterated his commitment to ensure the overhaul of the terminal building before the end of his administration.
Recalling the fire incident of September 6, 2023 which necessitated the hasty relocation of all airlines from the old terminal with attendant public outcry, as unfortunate, the Minister assured that adequate measures will be put in place to avert future occurrence of such incident.
While assuring the task force of the implementation of the recommendations as soon as possible, Keyamo directed that a meeting be held with the contractors handling the terminal Two on issues of substandard equipment and the possibility of opening up other entry and exit points in the terminal building including the expansion of their work schedule which is part of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement.
On the issue of a comprehensive plan for the airports, the Minister said, having a Master plan will eradicate wastage and encourage concessionairers making the airports a hub indeed. He also noted that the Master plan will take into consideration the existing structures while renovation on the old terminal will not be disrupted.
