FAAN Calls for Patience, Balanced Criticism at Airports

By Admin, Lagos

‎The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Henry Agbebire, has called for patience and balanced criticism from passengers in their reactions to airport delays and operational procedures, warning against the growing trend of instant condemnation on social media.

In a statement titled “A Moment at the Airport: What it Reveals About Us,” Agbebire warned against the growing trend of instant criticism on social media, saying short video clips often create negative perceptions without proper context.

“A 30-second video clip, taken in frustration and shared instantly on social media, can define the narrative of an entire airport system, sometimes unfairly, often without context, and almost always without balance,” he stated.

He noted that while constructive criticism has helped drive reforms and improvements across Nigerian airports, reactionary condemnation undermines ongoing transformation efforts within FAAN.

Referencing a recent delay caused by enhanced Ebola health surveillance at an international arrivals hall, Agbebire explained that the screening was a precautionary public health measure aligned with global aviation protocols.

‎“What was not acknowledged, however, was the reason for the delay, which was a proactive, precautionary measure designed to safeguard public health,” he said.

He added that similar procedures at airports such as Heathrow Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport are often met with patience, unlike the criticism directed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

“There appears to be an unconscious bias that frames inefficiency as uniquely Nigerian, and excellence as inherently foreign,” he stated.

‎According to Agbebire, airports are complex environments where delays may sometimes be unavoidable due to security, safety, or technical procedures.

‎He further called for measured engagement, constructive criticism, and stronger collaboration between passengers and aviation stakeholders in building a more efficient and credible aviation sector.