By Yemisi Izuora-Lagos
The president of AFARN Kingsley Nwokoma has sought for the expansion of the cargo apron at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Ikeja for improved services.
Nwokoma who spoke at this year’s safety summit of the Association of Foreign Airlines and their Representatives in Nigeria with the theme ‘Aviation Safety Management in Nigeria: Evolution or Revolution? said the expansion of the apron will generate more revenue for the government especially at this time of dwindling oil prices.
He noted that one of the positives of the year was the construction of the ultra modern SAHCOL warehouse stressing that it has added value to the industry and also entrenched healthy competition.
Nwokoma declared “With safety in our hands, we must prioritise it, practice it and promote it”
He noted that with the challenges in the aviation industry that the sector was still on the path of recovery which can only recover fully when stakeholders in the sector make safety related issues to be on the front burner.
Nwokoma commended the aviation minister Osita Chidoka for setting up committee to look into aeronautical and non aeronautical charges which AFARN has made representatives.
The Director, Port Health Services, Lagos, Dr. Alex Okoh, in her speech appealed to air travellers to always cooperate with health officials at international airports in the screening process against diseases, including the Ebola Virus .
The Director, Port Health Services, Lagos, Dr. Alex Okoh made the appeal at this year’s safety summit of the Association of Foreign Airlines and their Representatives in Nigeria.
Dr. Okoh noted that with the high volume of passengers this season, caution must be taken to avoid another out break of any dreaded disease in the country
She explained that safety in the industry was also in focus at the event with the theme: Aviation Safety Management in Nigeria: Evolution or Revolution?
According to Dr. Alex Okoh, though nigeria has been certified Ebola free by the World Health Organization, WHO, there may still be the risk of any outbreak due to the large movement of people through the various port of entries.
The health director cautioned that complacency was dangerous, adding that awareness and sensitization drive had to be intensified due to the attitude of passengers at screening points.
Dr. Okoh noted that to stop Ebola through the nation’s airports, passengers and airlines must subject themselves to screening and support the measures put in place in containing the spread to make the job of the port health officials seamless.
She said on a daily basis 6 to 10 thousands passengers were screened and that efforts were being made to install walk through body scanners at the airports.
The health personnel also called for continued implementation of public health measures and screening activities at all points, assuring air travellers of constant monitoring of in bound and out bound passengers.
The Director, Airport Operations, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Captain Henry Omeogu harped on the need for other agencies to join hands in protecting the lives and safety of traveller
On the issue of safety, various speakers in their presentations emphassised the need for effective implementation of the safety management system as required by ICAO.
They commended government for the remodeling of airports and continuous investments in the industry to make it safe, attractive and comfortable to passengers