FAAN Engages Lagos Traditional Rulers on Airport Safety, Environmental Management
Oru Leonard
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has strengthened efforts to improve safety and security around the Murtala Muhammed International Airport through renewed engagement with traditional rulers and host communities in Lagos State.
At a stakeholders’ meeting with royal fathers from communities surrounding the airport, FAAN reiterated its commitment to sustained collaboration aimed at protecting aviation infrastructure, enhancing environmental management and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Speaking on behalf of FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Olubunmi Kuku, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, described MMIA as Nigeria’s global gateway and a critical national asset that requires collective protection.
He commended the traditional rulers for their support and cooperation with airport authorities, stressing that their influence as custodians of peace, culture and community values remains vital to safeguarding airport operations.
Agbebire raised concerns over the increasing threat of bird strikes around the airport, linking the problem to poor waste disposal practices and indiscriminate land use within surrounding communities.
According to him, environmental hazards around airport corridors pose significant operational and safety risks to air transportation.
During the engagement, FAAN’s Environment Department delivered presentations on the dangers bird strikes pose to aircraft operations and aviation safety, while also highlighting the environmental practices contributing to the problem.
The Authority’s Aviation Security Department also spoke on the need to strengthen the protection of lives and property within and around airport facilities through closer cooperation between airport authorities and host communities.
Traditional rulers at the meeting included the Osolo of Isolo Kingdom, Oba Isa Abiodun Shekoni; the Elewu of Ewu Kingdom, Oba Kuti Shakirudeen Adeshina; the Shasha of Shasha Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Akanbi Nasiru Lawal Ogunronbi; the Ejigbo of Ejigbo Kingdom, Oba Morufu Adisa Ojoola; and the Alaye of Orisumbare Kingdom, Oba Akeeb Adebowale Rauf.
The monarchs acknowledged the concerns raised by FAAN and pledged their support toward improving safety, security and environmental standards around the airport communities.
They also presented requests and concerns from their respective communities, which they said would help strengthen cooperation and address some of the challenges affecting the airport environment.
FAAN assured the traditional rulers of continued engagement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to address the identified issues in the interest of aviation safety and national security.
