FAAN takes delivery of two ambulifts to boost accessibility at Lagos airport
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken delivery of two ambulifts for deployment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, aiming to improve accessibility and the overall passenger experience for persons with reduced mobility.
In a statement FAAN made available on Thursday, FAAN said the specialised vehicles form part of ongoing efforts to support passengers who need additional help boarding or leaving aircraft.
“The addition of the ambulifts is aimed at providing the necessary assistance to passengers who may require additional support when boarding or disembarking aircrafts, ensuring they receive dignified, safe and efficient care throughout their journey,” the authority stated.
The keys were formally handed over to NACHO Aviation Services by Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, FAAN’s Director of Airport Operations, who will oversee their deployment and operation at the airport.
“The initiative underscores FAAN’s commitment to strengthening passenger facilitation services and ensuring that every passenger, regardless of mobility limitations, receives the support and assistance they deserve,” the statement added.
Ambulifts are specialised ground-support vehicles equipped with hydraulic lifting systems and enclosed cabins.
They raise passengers to the level of an aircraft door, allowing safe transfer particularly useful at remote stands or where passenger boarding bridges are unavailable.
They serve wheelchair users, those needing stretcher support, and others with reduced mobility.
The move comes amid broader upgrades at MMIA, Nigeria’s busiest international gateway, which is undergoing major rehabilitation and expansion.
FAAN Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku recently noted that the two new units, together with one provided by a ground-handling company, bring the total number of active ambulifts at the airport to three.
Upgraded terminals will also include improved flight information displays with audio and visual features, ramps, accessible elevators, and dedicated wheelchair routes.
FAAN has previously expanded wheelchair assistance services across Nigerian airports, offering support from check-in through boarding and on arrival, along with priority processing and accessible facilities such as restrooms and elevators.
These steps align with efforts to make air travel more inclusive for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and others requiring mobility support.
