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PHOTO STORY: Keyamo inaugurates waste recycling programme, inspects upgraded pilgrims’ terminal at MMI, Lagos
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has inaugurated the first phase of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) Sustainable Waste Management Programme and inspected the upgraded Pilgrims’ Terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Mr Keyamo disclosed this on Thursday in a post on his official X page following the activities, which he conducted alongside the Chairman of the FAAN Board, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the authority’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olubunmi Kuku.
The minister stated that the waste management initiative introduces colour-coded recycling bins to encourage proper waste separation, describing it as the first phase of a nationwide programme to make Nigeria’s airports cleaner and more environmentally sustainable. According to him, the initiative reflects FAAN’s commitment to improving environmental practices across airports nationwide.
Following the inauguration, Mr Keyamo inspected the upgraded Pilgrims’ Terminal, which now features a 300-seat passenger waiting area, modern VIP and VVIP lounges, free high-speed Wi-Fi, a fully air-conditioned mosque, and enhanced screening and security systems.
He commended the management of FAAN for both projects and urged the authority to sustain the momentum.
“I commend the management of FAAN for these initiatives and encourage them to keep up the tempo in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the minister said.
In a separate statement, FAAN described the waste management programme as a significant step towards building cleaner, greener, and more sustainable airports across the country.
The authority urged passengers and other airport users to support the initiative by disposing of waste in the designated recycling bins.
“As you travel, your small actions can make a big difference. Dispose of your waste in the right bin, support recycling, and help us create an airport environment we’re all proud of,” FAAN stated.
These initiatives arrive as the federal government continues efforts to modernise airport infrastructure and improve service delivery across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The Pilgrims’ Terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport serves as one of the country’s major departure points for Muslim pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah. Upgrading the facility is expected to improve passenger comfort, ease the movement of travellers during peak pilgrimage periods, and enhance security screening and other airport services.
READ ALSO: Keyamo speaks on China-Enugu cargo flights
Similarly, the introduction of the Sustainable Waste Management Programme reflects a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability in airport operations. Globally, airports are increasingly adopting waste segregation and recycling systems as part of broader efforts to improve sanitation, reduce pollution, and align with international sustainability standards.
FAAN stated that the colour-coded recycling bins introduced at MMIA represent the first phase of a nationwide rollout, with the programme expected to encourage responsible waste disposal and foster cleaner airport environments across Nigeria.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured passengers that airport operations will continue despite the ongoing industrial action by aviation unions.
FAAN, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said it was working with aviation agencies, airlines, security agencies and other stakeholders to minimise the impact of the industrial action and ensure that airport operations were not disrupted.
The authority said it was closely monitoring developments and remained committed to maintaining safe, secure and orderly operations at Nigeria’s airports.
The assurance comes after the industrial action disrupted flight operations earlier on Tuesday, with some airlines suspending or rescheduling services following restrictions on access to airport terminals in Lagos and Abuja.
Air Peace, Enugu Air, and United Nigeria Airlines announced operational disruptions, affecting some passengers with flights suspended or rescheduled.
The action followed grievances by aviation unions over the alleged restriction of workers’ freedom to unionise and the alleged non-remittance of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) collected from passengers.
The unions include the National Union of Air Transport Employees, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, with the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress backing the action.
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Director-General, Chris Najomo, urged the unions to suspend the industrial action pending the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who the regulator said was working to resolve the dispute.
The NCAA appealed to all parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation, expressing confidence that the matter would be resolved and that normal flight operations would be restored as soon as practicable. The regulator also assured passengers that flight safety had not been compromised and that it continued to discharge its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.
FAAN moves to minimise disruption
FAAN said it recognised the legitimate role of organised labour and supported efforts by Mr Keyamo and other stakeholders towards an amicable resolution of the dispute.
“In the interim, FAAN is working closely with the relevant aviation agencies, airlines, security agencies and other stakeholders to minimise the impact of the industrial action and ensure that airport operations are not disrupted,” the authority said.
The authority also said earlier operational challenges affecting the movement of some flights within the airside environment had been addressed through ongoing inter-agency coordination.
It said measures were being sustained to support the orderly continuation of flight operations.
“FAAN remains committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s airports remain safe, secure, functional and accessible to passengers and other airport users,” it said.
FAAN advised passengers to remain calm and maintain contact with their respective airlines for real-time information about their flights.
READ ALSO: Passengers stranded as airlines suspend, reschedule flights amid aviation unions’ strike
The authority said it remained confident that ongoing engagements under the minister’s leadership would lead to a speedy and mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute.
It also appreciated passengers for their understanding and patience amid the disruption.
The latest assurance comes as airlines continue to adjust their operations in response to the industrial action, with passengers advised to confirm their flight status with their respective airlines before travelling to the airport.
FAAN said its priority remained maintaining safe, secure and functional airports while efforts to resolve the dispute between the unions, airlines and government continue.
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