The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced a scheduled power outage at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport on June 5, aimed at facilitating crucial maintenance work. In a statement released on Tuesday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, emphasized the necessity of this maintenance to address urgent issues with the Bus Riser 11 kilo-volt-amperes (KVA) high tension (HT) panel located on the ground floor, north of International Terminal 2 (ITZ-2).
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) hereby notifies all stakeholders and the public that a maintenance shutdown of power supply shall occur at the International Terminal 2 (ITZ-2) between 13:30 and 14:30 hrs on Wednesday, June 05, 2024,” FAAN stated. The maintenance aims to verify and resolve the issues affecting the Bus Riser 11KVA HT panel, which is critical for the terminal’s operations. This proactive measure is intended to prevent any potential disruptions that could arise from unresolved electrical issues.
FAAN assured that efforts will be made to minimize the impact of this shutdown on flight operations and passenger facilitation. To mitigate inconvenience, airlines such as Rwanda Air, EgyptAir, and Qatar Air, which are scheduled to operate during the maintenance window, will temporarily relocate their check-in and arrival procedures to International Terminal 1 (ITZ-1). Passengers on these flights are advised to take note of the terminal change and plan accordingly.
The authority expressed regret for any inconvenience the maintenance work may cause to stakeholders and the traveling public, emphasizing that such actions are essential to maintaining the safety and efficiency of airport operations. FAAN’s proactive communication aims to ensure that all affected parties are well-informed and can make necessary adjustments to their travel plans.
This announcement comes on the heels of the airport’s recovery from a nationwide industrial action initiated by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Monday. The strike had significantly disrupted airport activities, grounding scheduled flights and causing considerable inconvenience to travelers. It was also reported that the strike led to a complete halt of operations at the airport, highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to labor disputes.
However, the industrial action was suspended for one week by the labor unions to allow for renegotiations with the Federal Government. This temporary reprieve has provided a window of opportunity for FAAN to conduct necessary maintenance work without further exacerbating the recent disruptions experienced by passengers and airlines.
FAAN’s commitment to addressing infrastructure issues and ensuring the smooth operation of airport facilities is part of a broader effort to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers. By undertaking such maintenance activities, FAAN aims to prevent more significant issues that could arise from neglected electrical systems, thereby ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of airport operations.
Passengers are encouraged to stay updated on further announcements from FAAN regarding the maintenance work and any potential impacts on their travel plans. The authority’s transparent communication and proactive approach to infrastructure maintenance reflect its dedication to maintaining high standards of service and safety at Nigeria’s busiest airport.
In conclusion, while the planned power outage at Murtala Muhammed Airport may cause temporary inconvenience, it is a necessary step towards ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of the airport’s operations. FAAN’s efforts to minimize disruption and keep the public informed demonstrate a commitment to proactive maintenance and effective communication with stakeholders.
