Mr Yakubu Dati, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), on Wednesday said arts and crafts makers were free to display their wares at the airports.

He made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Abuja.

Dati was reacting to the claim by Mr Kanayo Chukwumezie, the President, African Art and Heritage Association (AACHA), Abuja, that its members were denied space to display their goods.

“There are procedures for doing it; we do not deny anybody from displaying their wares at the Airport. Anybody who wants to do business at the airport will have to write a request to us and then we process it.

“Therefore, anybody including arts and craft makers can make a request by writing to us and after due process, it will be granted,” Dati said.

“The airport is a strategic place for the display and sale of our indigenous work of arts and crafts,’’ he said.

The president of the association, Chukwumezie said it applied for a space at the Airport in 2004 to display members arts and crafts products, it was turned down.

“We applied for space at the airport to showcase the various works of our members, but did not get any positive response from FAAN. However, with a new government in place, I believe we will get along with the authorities to ensure that our arts and crafts enjoy visibility and patronage at the airport,’’ Chukwuemezie said.