Rebranded FAAN Executive Protocol Service unit to carry out commercial protocol functions at airports- FAAN

By Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says only rebranded FAAN Executive Protocol Service unit will henceforth be allowed to carry out commercial protocol activities at airports across the country.

This is due to the need to ensure proper crowd control at airports, while still maintaining effective social distancing orchestrated by the COVID-19 pandemic

The Managing director of FAAN, Capt Rabiu Yadudu, who disclosed this at a two day international protocol officers’ conference organised by Mr Fortune Idu in Lagos, advised that protocol officers attached to various organizations register with the protocol unit for protocol facilitation of their top executives.

Yadudu, who was represented by the general manager Environment Mr Auta explained that FAAN was presently working on the digitalization of the entire process to ensure that those concerned will not have to come to the airports to register, make bookings or make payments.

“When this system is completed and launched very soon, you will be able to complete the entire process online in the comfort of your homes or offices.

Also, in addition to the need for travellers to abide by all laid down Covid-19 protocols when travelling, we will like to encourage you all as professionals in the field to help us sensitize your top executives that only passengers would be allowed into our airports”

The FAAN boss said due to the present limitations in terms of capacity, the management was very mindful of the safety of air travellers noting that in the spirit of the season that it advisable that passengers abide by laid down Covid-19 protocols in the interest of all.

“It becomes more important for us in the aviation industry, as in addition to the above, it also helps our security apparatus by reducing/eliminating the activities of touts and unscrupulous elements at our airports”

Yadudu noted that Protocol as a profession was very important in the operational efficiency of serious-minded organisations remarking that a lapse in protocol function at the individual, family, organizational or national level was capable of resulting in collateral damage both financially and in terms of reputation stressing that nations and organizations have been grossly embarrassed and deals/diplomatic relations have been marred in the past due to flouts in cultural, greetings, gifts and other protocols.

The FAAN boss said for protocol as a profession to achieve its purpose as a key service offering in general facilitation, it must be consistent, standardized, timely and responsive saying that the ideal protocol officer must be polite, respectful, friendly, and must be able to communicate effectively.

Yadudu encouraged them to always abide by the ethics of your profession and continue to be comported in professional manners.

The organiser of the conference, Mr Fortune Idu said the conference was put together to for protocol officers to understand basic business ethics, protocols requirements for dealing with international businesses and international diplomatic issues

Idu said that conference was a combination of workshop, training, courses and general discussions platform where all the protocol officers come together to share ideas, experiences and raise questions and find answers.

He said the conference started a travel facilitation workshop which graduated into protocol officers conference.

Idu said it was conceded ten years ago and now has materialized today.

He noted that the pandemic has brought a lot of things which the protocol officers must know as a result of restrictions from various countries

Idu said this has been very amazing with over 70 participants across the country despite the pandemic