Host communities are critical to airport operations – FAAN

The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has emphasized that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, remains not only a national asset but also Nigeria’s global gateway as the sustenance of peace and order in the host communities is critical to safeguarding airport operations and national infrastructure.

The FAAN Managing Director made this emphasis at a stakeholders’ meeting with the traditional leaders of the MMIA host communities in Lagos.

The traditional rulers at the meeting were His Royal Majesty, Oba Isa Abiodun Shekoni, Osolo of Isolo Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Oba Kuti Shakirudeen Adeshina, Elewu of Ewu Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Akanbi Nasiru Lawal Ogunronbi, Shasha of Shasha Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Oba Morufu Adisa Ojoola, Ejigbo of Ejigbo Kingdom; Oba Akeeb Adebowale Rauf, Alaye of Orisumbare Kingdom.

Represented by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, Kuku reaffirmed the FAAN’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the MMIA host communities, through sustained engagement with traditional rulers and community stakeholders.

Kuku highlighted the growing risks associated with bird strikes, stressing that poor waste management practices and indiscriminate land use around airport environments significantly contribute to such hazards.

During the engagement, FAAN’s Environment Department delivered a detailed presentation on the impact of bird strikes on aviation safety and air operations, while also explaining how poor environmental management around airport vicinities poses serious operational threats.

The Aviation Security Department also made a presentation on the protection of lives and property within and around airport facilities, underscoring the importance of collaboration with the royal fathers in maintaining security, law and order in surrounding communities.

In their responses, the traditional rulers acknowledged the importance of the issues raised by FAAN and assured the Authority of their support. They also presented concerns and requests from their communities, which they noted would further strengthen cooperation and help address some of the environmental and security challenges highlighted.

FAAN assured the royal fathers and community representatives of continued collaboration and pledged to work with relevant stakeholders toward addressing the concerns raised in the interest of aviation safety, security, and peaceful coexistence with host communities.