The Federal Government has commended the efforts of the Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) for its commitment and substantial contribution to the renovation of the E-Gate Arrival of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
Mr. Kabir Muhammed, the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), stated this during the commissioning of the project in the state.
The Managing Director who was represented by Capt. Muhktar Muye, Director of Operations, FAAN stated that the commissioning of the renovated E Arrival of the Lagos Airport was a step towards making Nigeria a key player in the global aviation industry. He pointed out that SNEPCO’s dedication to the development of infrastructure was a testament to its investment in Nigeria’s future. This renovation, he emphasized did not only signify more than just an upgrade of FAAN’s facilities but also a symbol of progress and a beacon of the nation’s growth
He said: “I stand before you today, not just as a representative of the Managing Director/ Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, but as a proud Nigerian, privileged to be part of this momentous occasion. We are gathered here to commission a newly renovated E arrival of our beloved Murtala Mohammed Airport, a project graciously undertaken by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).” “It is a clear indication of our commitment to seamless passage of passengers through our airport facilities. It is a step towards making Nigeria a key player in the global aviation industry.” He reiterated that the Lagos airport was not just a gateway to Nigeria, but also serves as a hub to sub-Saharan Africa as a whole.
The Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO), NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti, who was represented by the External Affairs Manager, Julie Utang, remarked that the project “is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations come together.”
Delivering her remarks, SNEPCo Managing Director, Elohor Aiboni. “Let today be a reminder of the potential that lies in collaborative efforts and the positive impact it can have on our nation’s infrastructure and overall development”.
Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration, Wura-Ola Adepoju, commended NNPC and SNEPCo for the initiative as done by the Regional General Manager, Southwest, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Sunday Ayodele.
He noted that with this renovation, FAAN was sure that every traveler, whether Nigerian or international, would experience the warmth, efficiency, and spirit of excellence that our country embodies.
Also speaking, Adepoju Wuraola, the Comptroller-General of NIS, said that what Nigerians were seeing today was the effectiveness of collaboration between all the stakeholders especially the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and SNEPCO.
She said that the ambiance of the E-Arrival was the product of collaborative efforts. She lauded NNPCL/SNEPCO for their support, reassuring them that it was the beginning of better things to come.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said in an address delivered by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde said: “The project is not merely a physical transformation; it is a symbol of our dedication to foster seamless passenger journeys and upholding Nigeria’s reputation as a welcoming destination”.
In his remarks, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, said the installation of the facility would allow Nigerians arriving in the country to enjoy facilitation, just like Americans enjoy at JFK Airport and the Britons at Heathrow Airport enjoy such facilities when they arrive in their own countries.
The minister clarified that once this is installed at gateways, Nigerians arriving in the country would no longer queue up at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) counters.
He further explained that the issue of travel, passport, and visa would only constitute 20 percent of the functions of NIS, adding that the most critical aspect of the job was border control.
He described this as a top priority for the service. “The time to secure our borders and ensure strict compliance to border control rules is now,” he said.
He therefore urged the NIS to do its job professionally without exhibiting arrogance or harassing members of the traveling public.
Other dignitaries who witnessed the handover included: Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Values and Social Justice, Fela Durotoye, Kabiyesi Olota of Ota, HRM Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, and Director/Head Corporate Relations of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd, (SPDC) Igo Weli.
