Stories by Moses Akaigwe 08072100049
Relief has finally come to passengers and other users of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, who had over the years yearned for a convenient parking facility that also befits the status of the nation’s premier international gateway.
The turning point came by way of a landmark, six-level car park built by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in partnership with Seymour Aviation Ltd.
The facility was on Wednesday inaugurated with many an excited guest describing the construction of ‘the ultra-modern edifice” as “long overdue,” but a welcome development.
A public-private-partnership project, the multi-level car park built to accommodate about 1, 300 cars on a land measuring 9119.969m2, was financed by Fidelity Bank Plc, which at the ceremony declared its readiness to collaborate further with the partners to ensure the provision of similar facilities elsewhere.
Giving more insight into the project, the Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma, explained that the car park which would be for a 30-year tenor, was designed to solve the problem of indiscriminate parking within and around the airport.
“I wish to state that this facility is long overdue and equally timely as it will improve passenger facilitation and reduce the menace of indiscriminate parking within and around the airport” he remarked, stressing, “this project is one of the numerous partnerships FAAN has, and is still exploring to improve the infrastructure development at our airports.”
Represented by the Director of Engineering Services, Alhaji Salisu Daura, the Managing Director explained that FAAN had made adequate arrangements that would engender seamless management of the car park by the concessionaire.
The measures include restriction at the departure frontage to a drop zone only; enforcement of a no-pick-up zone at the “D” and “E” arrival of the terminal building; and designation of parking lots to all escort vehicles at the old temporary car park.
It was also announced that a task force comprising of MMIA management staff, aviation security, Nigeria Air Force, Nigeria Police and tow vehicle operators, had been constituted to enforce the restrictions and ensure that all vehicles parked in front of the terminal building and other unapproved areas, are pulled away.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Seymour Aviation Ltd, Mr. Francis Ikenga, said the car park was conceived as part of his company’s aim of supporting FAAN’s objective of making MMIA a hub for the aviation industry in West Africa.
An obviously elated Ikenga said that having met all international standards, the car park is a milestone for the country, as well as “a national pride to the stakeholders and the citizens as a whole.”
Apart from the 1, 300 parking spaces, the Seymour Managing Director listed some other features which users would useful, including closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras mounted on every floor and around the premises {for security}; adequate conveniences for both male on each floor ; waiting lounge for VIPs; and four commercial-size elevators to all levels.
Ikenga disclosed that a public address system to be extended to the car park would ensure that users are informed of flight arrivals and departures, assuring “world class facility management” and adequate security, including bomb detection gadgets.
“To ensure uninterrupted power supply, the facility is equipped with a standby generator that can provide power for 24 hours.
“Passengers will also enjoy protection from the effects of weather elements as they disembark from their vehicles within the facility and move into the terminal without using an umbrella,” he said.
On his part, the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo, who was represented by his Deputy, Balarabe Mohammed, told the guests that financing the project was in tandem with the corporate philosophy of improving the lives of the people through its activities.
Mohammed assured that Fidelity was willing to provide more support for similar projects in future.
An hour parking at the new facility costs N400 for car, N500 for SUV, and N1000 for bus/truck, while every extra hour attracts N100 for car and SUV, and N200 for truck/bus. Penalty for loss of ticket is N1000, in addition to the fees for the hour{s} spent.