IPOC Lauds Keyamo, Tunji Ojo Over Airport Electronic Gates

Samuel Mobolaji

The International Protocol Officers Conference (IPOC) has applauded the minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and that of Aviation and Aerospace, Mr. Festus Keyamo, for the introduction of the electronic gate systems at international airports and advancements in travel automation.

IPOC, in a communique issued at the end of their conference held at the NIGAV Expo Event Centre at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Ikeja, recognised the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for improving airport services and her efforts to eradicate touting and solicitation

In the communique, the conference condemn the abuse of Nigeria flags by many states governments, agencies and organizations that insert the coat of arms of the Federal Republic in the flag which is a misrepresentation of the symbol of sovereignty and agreed to advise the IPOC coordinator to seek clarification on the matter from relevant government offices and initiate a campaign to stop the abuse of the flag.

It intends to urge the relevant authorities to review and update the order of precedence in the Federal Republic from what has existed since 2000 as The National Order of Precedence of The Public Officer and Other Persons Bill 2000.

It recommends developing national protocol guidelines to ensure the smooth IPOC execution of state ceremonies and to promote harmony and cohesion within the country.

Other recommendatons arrived at included the professionalization of protocol and its integration into the career progression structure within the civil service, to request the establishment of the Council for International Protocol Profession and the Centre for Protocol Profession Development as mechanisms for enhancing protocol duties and to propose that the Council be extended to serve as an African regional platform for protocol, fostering regional integration, promoting inter-country harmony, and encouraging best governance practices.

It further called on all organizations to provide comprehensive, protocol-specific training for all protocol officers, prohibiting the appointment of untrained personnel in these roles and to unite in a campaign against touting in all airports.

The IPOC is Africa’s largest annual gathering of protocol professionals. It encompasses protocol officers from all states and sectors in Nigeria. The conference promotes the exchange of information, learning, professionalism, and best practices in border cooperation and travel facilitation for the effective delivery of protocol duties. It offers a platform for peer review of various protocol practices, including standing international orders, and addresses diplomatic and intergovernmental issues related to travel.