FAAN warns protocol officers against bypassing airport security

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has warned protocol officers and travel facilitators against bypassing airport security and established procedures in the name of VIP or passenger facilitation.

FAAN General Manager, Protocol and Passages, Mrs Christabel Eromosele, gave the warning at the International Protocol Officers Conference (IPOC), on Wednesday in Lagos.

Eromosele was represented by Mr Oluwakayode Adeyeoluwa, Head, Public Affairs Department, Murtala Muhammed Airport.

Eromosele said modern airport protocol required a structured, and transparent system covering the entire passenger journey, from pre-booking and airport reception to departure, arrival and post-flight logistics.

She said uncoordinated attempts to facilitate passengers, particularly dignitaries, could result in dissatisfaction, operational bottlenecks and unnecessary friction with airport authorities.

“Professional airport protocol is not about circumventing rules and regulations, cutting corners, or employing unstructured touts.

“It is about following a structured, transparent process that guarantees safety, accountability, and seamless service delivery,” she said.

Eromosele said every passenger, regardless of status, deserved an orderly and dignified travel experience, adding that corporate organisations, travel agencies and protocol officers should formalise their engagement with airport authorities rather than rely on unauthorised third parties.

She highlighted FAAN’s Executive Protocol Unit as a dedicated platform providing professional reception, guidance, lounge access and inter-agency coordination for high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, official delegations and families.

The general manager linked compliance with airport protocol to national security and operational safety, warning that attempts to circumvent security and screening channels under the guise of VIP facilitation could expose passengers and airport operations to serious risks.

She also cautioned protocol officers and handlers against misleading their principals or compromising official procedures merely to project efficiency.

According to her, advance communication and proper sensitisation of passengers on airport requirements, including arrival times and security screening procedures, will help prevent delays, misunderstandings and confrontations at check-in points.

Eromosele called for stronger collaboration among airlines, travel agencies, security agencies and airport managers to improve service delivery across Nigerian airports.

She said seamless airport protocol remained a collective responsibility aimed at protecting passengers, improving operational efficiency and enhancing Nigeria’s aviation image.

Addressing the complexities of travel logistics and passenger management, the Chief Executive Officer, 03 Capital Ltd., Mr Abimbola Pineheiro, highlighted that modern travel management extended far beyond simple budgeting.

Pineheiro said it encompassed “dignity management” and ego handling.

He emphased the importance of digital payment solutions, such as e-money, underscoring how seamlessly navigating travel operations could reshape guest perceptions and mitigate common travel anxieties.

He shared personal anecdotes and real-world scenarios to illustrate how unexpected disruptions, such as missing rental keys or failed payment card transactions at hotels, could quickly escalate travel stress.

Pineheiro specifically said challenges faced by diaspora travelers who often anticipated logistical failures in Nigeria, had the tendency to blame systemic local issues for personal oversight or financial unpreparedness during trips.

A veteran actor, Patrick Doyle spoke on interacting with VIP’s at the airport, encouraging protocol officials to be professional in their interactions with VIPs.

A financial consultant, Mr Onyeka Idu urged the protocol personnel to begin to plan for their retirement from the first day of their first job.

It was reported that the event, with the theme: “Diplomacy of National Interest,” had in attendance, government agencies, airlines, government and private organisations among others.