Federal Government Restricts Sale of FAAN Properties
The Federal Government has issued a directive prohibiting the sale or transfer of properties owned by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) within and around airport premises. This move emphasizes that these assets are strictly for aviation use and must remain under government control.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, shared this information during a briefing with State House correspondents following a council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu in Aso Villa. Keyamo clarified that this directive overrides any previous interpretations related to asset-disposal programs from earlier administrations. He stressed that FAAN properties are strategic national assets that require continued government oversight.
Keyamo highlighted that essential personnel, such as firefighters and navigational officers, need to reside within airport precincts to ensure quick emergency responses. This makes the retention of these facilities crucial for operational efficiency.
“We will not concede any of these properties to private individuals. Anyone who believes they have purchased such assets should take note,” he stated.
Key Approvals and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) granted eight approvals for the aviation ministry, covering various areas including airport safety, technology upgrades, concessions, and security enhancements. These include contracts for maintenance and support services for Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) solutions across five international airports: Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.
Additionally, the council approved the deployment of advanced Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) power systems nationwide, along with 14 VHF remote communication systems for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to improve navigational safety. To meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, FEC also endorsed the purchase of 15 airport rescue and firefighting vehicles for the five major international airports.
New Headquarters for NAMA
Keyamo announced that NAMA, currently operating from rented offices in Abuja, will now have a purpose-built headquarters in the capital. He argued that hosting command-and-control infrastructure in private buildings poses significant security risks.
The Council also approved the business case for the concession of Port Harcourt International Airport. Keyamo noted that investor interest has increased substantially under the current administration. “Before we assumed office, no investor showed interest. Now, over six bidders are competing to run Port Harcourt,” he said, assuring aviation unions that no worker would lose their job.
Addressing Labour Concerns
Keyamo warned that labour unions opposing government policy cannot dictate to the government. He assured that workers in affected airports would not lose their jobs but would instead be deployed to other airports.
The FEC also ratified contracts under the 2024 budget to install airfield lighting at select airports, enabling operations into late-evening hours. This upgrade is expected to help airlines increase revenue. “Some airports shut by 6 p.m. because they lack lighting. This upgrade will allow operations till 10-11 p.m.,” he noted.
Enhancing Security and Efficiency
Keyamo introduced a contactless biometric passenger-verification system linked to the National Identification Number (NIN) across all airports to combat identity fraud and enhance security. “Too many people board aircraft using fake identities. This system will confirm passengers are who they claim to be,” he said.
Conclusion
The minister appealed to aviation unions to support ongoing reforms, emphasizing that while he remains pro-labour, “unions will not dictate government policy.” These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to modernizing aviation infrastructure, ensuring safety, and maintaining control over critical national assets.