By Chinedu Eze
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has opened the recently renovated E-arrival Wing at the old Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos for passengers’ use.
The first batch of passengers who utilised the facility were those of British Airways flight from London, and they commended the government for a well-thought-out plan to refurbish the hall.
The E-wing arrival hall of the old international airport terminal in Lagos underwent refurbishment in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and its partners.
It was inaugurated in December of last year by the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The upgraded hall aims to streamline the arrival process, providing a smoother experience for passengers, especially the elderly and those with mobility challenges.
The first passenger to step out of the elevator into the hall was a foreigner entering the country for the first time.
He was welcomed on a red carpet and presented with a gift by the airport manager and the manager of southwest airports, Mr. Sunday Ayodele, accompanied by the Comptroller of Immigration, Lagos Airport Command, and other officials.
Passengers who had used the old arrival wing before the renovation commended the changes. They particularly liked the cultural displays representing various tribes and inscriptions of Nigerian greetings on its walls.
“I like the art work, and I hope they can maintain it. I love this, thanks to everyone for accomplishing this. There has been an improvement which is commendable we are getting there little by little but we just pray that we are able to maintain it and improve more on it.”
During an inspection tour of the airport facilities and monitoring of vehicular traffic, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, stated that the federal government planed to enhance passenger experience and infrastructure.
She mentioned that in the next few days, plans would be rolled out to eliminate the gridlock often experienced at peak periods, meet-and-greet areas, and ensure order within the environment.
The MD of FAAN also assured that the runway 18R of the airport would be reopened soon, as the contractor had been instructed to return to the site.
The runway 18R was closed last year in March for routine maintenance for five weeks, and during the process, the airfield lighting was stolen. Since then, the runway had remained closed.
