The Cross River Government, on Sunday in Calabar, resolved to collaborate with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for improved services, particularly during the ongoing Carnival Calabar.
Mr Kajang Amos, the Special Adviser to Gov. Ben Ayade on Aviation Matters, made this disclosure during a facility visit to the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar.
Amos, who led the team of state officials, said their visit was to find out how the State Government could assist in the areas of safety and passengers’ comfort at the airport.
“This visit is to see how we can partner with FAAN for enhanced safety. The Prof. Ben Ayade administration is very passionate about safety and comfort.
“We will do all we can to promote mutual relationship which had existed between the State Government and the Airport Authority,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the facility visit, Amos also urged FAAN to re-brand its services at the airport to reflect Cross River.
He said: “While the State Government is poised to collaborate and lend a helping hand, FAAN should reciprocate the gesture.
“For instance, their ticket in this airport is not bearing `Margaret Ekpo International Airport’ but `Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport’.
He said that during interactions with FAAN management, the airport authority had assured of its willingness to reciprocate the visiting team’s gesture.
“I am convinced that we can get to the peak of our service delivery if we collaborate,’’ Amos said.
Also speaking, Mr Dorncklaimz Enamhe, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Communications and Branding, said their interaction with FAAN was “very productive’’.
He also stressed the need to upgrade facilities and increase security at the airport during this festive season and the carnival, when the State Government expected influx of visitors into Calabar.
“We have listened to what the Airport Manager said. We will do a short memo to the governor and thereafter, we will get back to them.
“We, as government, are determined to support the airport and I believe that FANN too will cooperate with us,’’ Enamhe said.
Earlier, the Airport Manager, Mr Ayodele Olusegun, who received the team at the airport, urged the State Government to build and furnish the Protocol Lounge.
He said the lounge would serve as relaxation centre for important government functionaries including Presidents, Governors, Chief Judges and other very important persons while awaiting take-off.
According to him, the Margaret Ekpo International Airport does not have Protocol Lounge within its structures.
He said the State Government could develop a car park, adding that it will not be out of place if government also builds a good restaurant, adjacent to the airport for travellers since the airport had none.
“On our part, we will do everything possible, within our powers to make people visiting Calabar safe and comfortable,’’ Olusegun said. (NAN)