… As FAAN Commends NNPC/SNEPCO For Dedication To Development Of Infrastructure
…Says E-Arrival Commissioning Step Towards Making Nigeria Key Player In Global Aviation
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has disclosed that by February, 2024, the Federal Government will put in place E-Gate s to provide seamless facilitation for arriving passengers at airports across the country.
This is just as he also hinted that by December; the only reason why Nigerians would not need to visit the Nigerian Immigration Service offices nationwide is to do a fingerprint, adding that in 21st century, there is no point gathering at NIS offices.
The Minister, who spoke at the commissioning of the renovate E-Arrival of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport(MMIA), Lagos said that the E- gate would allow Nigerians arriving the country to enjoy facilitation just like Americans enjoy in JFK Airport and the Britons in Heathrow Airport, adding that it is doable.
He added that when the E-Gate is introduced at airports, Nigerians would not have any business visiting the Nigerian Immigration Service offices.
E-gates are Automated Border Control(ABC) systems or automated self-service barriers which use data stored in a chip in bio-metric passports along with a photo or fingerprint taken at the time of entering the E-Gates to verify the passport holder’s identity.
Speaking further, the Minister said that the issue of travel, passport and visa should constitute 20 per cent of what NIS does, adding that the most critical aspect of NIS’s job should be border control.
NIS, he said should make the issue of border control its priority,
“The time to secure our borders and ensure strict compliance to border control rules is now.
He said that this is the time to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to ensure that Nigeria’s borders with other countries are secured.
The Minister pointed out that all he has said are possible considering the way the 204,323 passports were handled without the Federal Government spending a dime, urging NIS to do its job professionally without exhibiting arrogance or harassing members of the public.
He commended NNPC /SNEPCO for their collaborative effort,which according to him has made it possible to achieve what the airport has at the moment, calling on others to emulate these organisations.
On his part, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Kabir Muhammed stated that the commissioning of the renovated E Arrival of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport(MMIA),Lagos is a step towards making Nigeria a key player in the global aviation industry.
The FAAN boss, who was represented by the Director of Operations, Capt. Muhktar Muye, expressed FAAN deepest gratitude to SNEPCO for its unwavering commitment and substantial contribution to this project.
He pointed out that SNEPCO’s dedication to the development of infrastructure is a testament to its investment in Nigeria’s future.
“I stand before you today, not just as a representative of the Managing Director/ Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, but a proud Nigerian, privileged to be part of this momentous occasion. We are gathered here to commission a newly renovated E arrival of our beloved Murtala Mohammed Airport, a project graciously undertaken by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).”
This renovation, he said does not only signifies more than just an upgrade of FAAN’s facilities but that it is also a symbol of progress and a beacon of nation’s growth
“It is a clear indication of our commitment to seamless passage of passengers through our airport facilities. It is a step towards making Nigeria a key player in the global aviation industry,” he said.
Speaking further, the FAAN Chief Executive officer, said that the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos is not just a gateway to Nigeria, but also serves as a hub to sub-Saharan Africa as a whole.
He noted that with this renovation, FAAN is sure that every traveller, whether Nigerian or international, will experience the warmth, efficiency and spirit of excellence that our country embodies.
According to him, “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 the countless individuals who will benefit from the increased connectivity,” Kabir said.
He assured that this is just the beginning and that FAAN will continue to strive for excellence, to improve its infrastructure and to make Nigeria a destination of choice for the world.
Speaking, the Comptroller General of NIS, Adepoju Wura-Ola said that what Nigerians are seeing today is the effectiveness of collaboration between all the stakeholders especially the NNPC /SNEPCO to give a befitting E- Arrival to arriving passengers.
She said that the ambience of the E-Arrival is the product of collaborative efforts.
She thanked NNPC /SNEPCO for their support, adding that this is just the beginning , as according to her more will come.
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