Can a Corps member serve at an airport? In this article, we’ll address the question. Many Corps members have been inquiring about the possibility of serving at airports in Nigeria. If you’re one of those seeking information, this article is for you. Read to the end. But before delving into that, let’s examine the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), its duties, operations, and other essential information about airports in Nigeria.
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is a statutory service organization tasked with the management of all commercial airports in Nigeria, providing services to both passenger and cargo airlines.
Operational Locations/Offices
There are 21 airports in Nigeria, including Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Enugu, Maiduguri, Jos, Benin, Sokoto, Yola, Owerri, Ilorin, Ibadan, Akure, Katsina, Minna, Makurdi, Zaria, Osubi, and Bauchi. Among these, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja, Lagos; Abuja; Kano; Calabar; and Port Harcourt are the primary international airports connecting Nigeria globally. Meanwhile, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Kaduna, Ilorin, and Yola Airports primarily cater to Hajj operations, while the remaining airports are designated for domestic operations exclusively.
Duties
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is mandated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Act of 1996, amended in 1999, with various responsibilities aimed at ensuring the safe, orderly, expeditious, and economical operation of air transport within the Nigerian airspace. These functions, outlined in Part II of the Act, include the development, provision, and maintenance of essential services and facilities at airports. FAAN is tasked with creating conditions conducive to the carriage of passengers and goods by air, as well as regulating the use of aircraft for gainful purposes.
Moreover, FAAN is authorized to levy charges for the services it provides at airports and is responsible for offering suitable accommodation and facilities for efficient passenger and freight handling. The authority is also directed to develop surface transport facilities within airports, contributing to the overall transportation infrastructure. In addition to its primary focus on air transport, FAAN is empowered to engage in economic activities at airports, either independently or in collaboration with other entities, encompassing both air transportation-related ventures and other commercial activities deemed compatible with its mission. The ultimate goal is to carry out these functions without compromising the core responsibilities specified in the legislation.
Major Competitors
FAAN faces competition primarily from luxurious buses operating on domestic routes within Nigeria, providing an alternative mode of transportation for passengers and goods. Currently, all airports in Nigeria are government-owned. Additionally, there are airstrips designed for the exclusive use of oil companies, particularly in Eket and other locations, although these serve as a complement to air transportation in the country.
Furthermore, major airports in West Africa and Southern Africa have undergone significant enhancements, positioning them as hubs for the entire continent. This improvement may lead international airlines to prefer these airports due to their superior facilities and attractiveness, potentially impacting FAAN’s competitiveness in the broader African aviation landscape.
Prospects
The aviation industry in Nigeria shows promising prospects, with continued growth and untapped potential. The Open Skies program is anticipated to significantly enhance air transportation in the West African sub-region by facilitating increased flight operations to and from the sub-region, particularly to United States airports. This suggests a positive trajectory for the Nigerian aviation sector as it strives to realize its full capabilities in the future.
Can A Corper Serve In An Airport?
Yes, Youth Corps members are commonly assigned to serve in airports across the country. If you’re a Corps member aspiring to serve in airports, the good news is that it’s a viable option.
Serving in airports offers an interesting and beneficial experience for Corps members. However, it’s crucial to note that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) may not readily assign you to an airport unless your field of study is related to aviation and its activities.
As mentioned earlier, airports are located in various states, with approximately 21 airports in Nigeria. If you’re a Corps member seeking to serve in an airport, conduct thorough research to identify their locations, obtain a request letter, and put in extra effort not only to be posted there but also to secure acceptance, as it can be challenging for many applying Corps members.
Before concluding, it’s essential to highlight that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is known for being one of the highest paying Primary Places of Assignment (PPAs) for serving in Nigeria. Consider further research on this aspect.