Keyamo, however, promised to concession the management of the five international airports to some of the best private companies in the world
By Kehinde Okeowo
Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has attributed the bad state of toilets, chillers and other things at international airports in the country to poor handling by the “bureaucrats” in charge.
He made this known while presenting his scorecard at the “Ministerial Sectoral Press Briefings” organised by the Federal Government to mark the first anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The minister, however, said that plans are underway to concession the management of the five international airports to some of the best private companies in the world.
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Speaking at the event, Keyamo said: “About the toilets, chillers and the poor state of our airports, we had an answer to that on our way forward. And that is the fact Mr. President has said and I’ve told him we’re starting the whole concession process all over again. To be more transparent.
“That was what we met on the ground. The concessions of our major airports have long been agreed upon. We all agree, you and I, that bureaucracy cannot run public utility, it’s impossible.
“So let’s not argue that. It’s been established. I apologise for saying that. But the bureaucracy cannot run public infrastructure and that is why they call it bureaucracy…it’s not possible. So, it’s only when you remove bureaucracy and run a public utility like your own house, nothing is going to happen.
“We’ll continue to see these problems until we do full concession of the airports and they’re run professionally like private businesses.
“And that’s what we’re doing. In the whole process, the President said we’ll go for the best in the world in terms of airport management.”