The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has warned aviation stakeholders, corporate organisations, and travel facilitators against bypassing established airport procedures in the name of VIP or executive facilitation. This warning was issued at the International Protocol Officers Conference in Lagos, where FAAN emphasized that professional airport protocol must operate within established systems.
According to FAAN's General Manager, Protocol and Passages, Christabel Eromosele, modern airport facilitation has evolved beyond ticketing and boarding to cover the entire passenger journey, including pre-travel arrangements, airport reception, and post-flight logistics. This requires closer cooperation between airports, airlines, travel agencies, security agencies, and corporate protocol officers.
Eromosele warned that attempts to circumvent security and screening procedures could create operational bottlenecks, passenger delays, and serious security vulnerabilities, particularly when unauthorised third parties are used to facilitate travellers. She stressed that professional airport protocol is not about circumventing rules and regulations or employing unstructured touts.
The warning has wider implications for the aviation economy, as delays and disorder at airports add costs for airlines, passengers, and businesses. Corporate executives and official delegations depend on efficient airport processing, while airlines require predictable passenger flows and turnaround times to maintain schedules.
FAAN's Executive Protocol Unit was established to provide structured services, including reception, guidance, lounge access, and coordination with relevant agencies for high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, official delegations, and families. Eromosele urged companies, travel agencies, and protocol officers to formalise their dealings with airport authorities and avoid relying on touts or unauthorised intermediaries.
Eromosele also stressed that protocol officers have a responsibility to properly brief their clients on airport requirements, including arrival times, documentation, and security procedures, to prevent last-minute delays and confrontations at check-in and screening points.
The warning comes as Nigerian airports handle a growing volume of business, leisure, and international traffic, making efficient passenger processing increasingly important to the competitiveness of the aviation sector. FAAN called for closer coordination among airlines, travel agents, security agencies, and airport managers to improve service delivery and strengthen compliance with established procedures.
Key points
- FAAN warns against VIP shortcuts at airports, citing security and efficiency concerns.
- Modern airport facilitation covers the entire passenger journey, requiring cooperation between airports, airlines, and other stakeholders.
- Efficient passenger processing is crucial to the competitiveness of the aviation sector.
