The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has warned protocol officers, travel facilitators, and passenger handlers against compromising airport security in the name of providing VIP or passenger facilitation services. This warning was issued at the International Protocol Officers Conference (IPOC) held in Lagos, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing security, accountability, and seamless service delivery in professional airport protocol.
According to FAAN General Manager, Protocol and Passages, Mrs Christabel Eromosele, modern airport protocol requires a structured and transparent system covering the entire passenger journey, from pre-booking and airport reception to departure, arrival, and post-flight logistics. Uncoordinated attempts to facilitate passengers, particularly dignitaries and high-profile travelers, could create dissatisfaction, operational bottlenecks, and unnecessary friction between passengers and airport authorities.
Eromosele stressed that professional airport protocol is not about circumventing rules and regulations or employing unstructured touts, but about following a structured, transparent process that guarantees safety, accountability, and seamless service delivery. The warning comes as Nigeria's aviation sector continues to balance the demand for efficient passenger services with the need to maintain strict security standards at airports.
Any attempt to create informal channels for VIP passengers could undermine established screening procedures and potentially expose airports to security vulnerabilities. Eromosele emphasized that every passenger, regardless of social or official status, deserves an orderly and dignified travel experience. She urged corporate organizations, travel agencies, and protocol officers to formalize their engagement with airport authorities rather than relying on unauthorized third parties.
FAAN's Executive Protocol Unit was highlighted as a dedicated platform for professional reception, passenger guidance, lounge access, and inter-agency coordination for high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, official delegations, and families. The unit provides a formal channel through which passengers requiring specialized assistance can receive support without compromising established airport procedures.
Eromosele linked compliance with airport protocols directly to national security and operational safety, warning that circumventing security and screening channels under the guise of VIP facilitation could expose passengers, airport personnel, and aviation infrastructure to serious risks. She advocated for advance communication and proper sensitization of passengers about airport requirements, including arrival times and security screening procedures.
The conference, themed "Diplomacy of National Interest," brought together representatives from government agencies, airlines, government organizations, and private-sector institutions, highlighting the growing importance of professional passenger management as Nigeria seeks to improve airport efficiency and the overall traveler experience.
Key points
- FAAN warns against bypassing airport security procedures for VIP facilitation
- Emphasis on structured and transparent airport protocol to guarantee safety and accountability
- FAAN's Executive Protocol Unit provides formal channel for specialized passenger assistance
