The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has urged the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to intensify efforts to reposition the nation’s airports to enhance tourists’ comfort, confidence, satisfaction and experience.

In a statement on Friday, Olusegun Runsewe, NCAC’s director-general, said that it was important to fully and effectively support the growth of the tourism industry.

Mr Runsewe, who spoke at the FAAN Aviation Conference on Friday on the topic “Nigerian Airports: Gateway to Developing and Managing Tourist Destinations in Nigeria”, said that the agency must do several things to reposition the airports.

Stating that the airport was the first window of exposure for the international tourists, he stressed the need to ensure terminal design, construction and maintenance while commending the commissioning of additional terminals in some of the nation’s airports.

He said the general opinion of aviation experts was that terminals in all international airports in Nigeria should have apron spaces wide enough to accommodate widebody aircraft like Boeing 787, Dreamliner 777, 747, and Airbus A380.

“It is therefore strongly recommended that space should be a major consideration in the location, design and construction of international airport terminals.

“The Regulatory bodies like FAAN, NAMA, and NCAA should put in place adequate regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and security in the Nigeria air transportation system,” he said.

Mr Runsewe said relevant authorities must ensure effective monitoring of aircraft before take-off and at arrival to minimise risks by avoiding any technical loophole.

The NCAC called for adequate security measures to meet international practices in the aviation sector, adding that this would also boost the confidence of air travellers. 

Mr Runsewe urged the government to provide an enabling environment for private sector investment in the tourism industry.

He said this would make the industry viable enough to attract domestic and international tourists to numerous destinations.

Mr Runsewe added that the development of air transportation would undoubtedly have multiplier effects on the development of the tourism sector and the economy as a whole.

(NAN)