President Bola Tinubu has issued a sweeping ban on the sale or transfer of any property belonging to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) located within or around airport premises nationwide.
The directive, announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, followed Thursday’s meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja.
Keyamo said the order overrides all previous asset disposal attempts by past administrations, stressing that airport lands and buildings are strategic national assets that must remain under government ownership.
"These properties will not be handed over to private entities. If anyone thinks they’ve acquired one, they should reconsider," he said.
According to the minister, the policy also stems from the need to retain on-site accommodation for key personnel, including firefighters and air traffic controllers, to ensure rapid response during emergencies.
In addition to the prohibition order, the FEC approved eight new initiatives for the aviation sector covering safety, security, technology, and infrastructure development.
Among the approvals was the procurement of maintenance and technical support systems for Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) facilities across Nigeria’s five major international airports in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.
The council also greenlighted the installation of Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) communication networks and 14 new VHF remote stations for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to enhance air navigation and communication reliability.
To meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, 15 new airport rescue and firefighting trucks were also approved for deployment to key airports.
Keyamo further disclosed that NAMA, which currently operates from leased office spaces in Abuja, will soon relocate to a purpose-built headquarters for improved safety and efficiency.
The FEC also approved a feasibility study on the potential concession of Port Harcourt International Airport, an initiative Keyamo said had already attracted strong private sector interest.
"Before our tenure, there was no interest at all. Now, over six firms are bidding," he said, assuring aviation unions that the concession process would not lead to job losses.
Other decisions included the adoption of a National Identification Number (NIN)-linked biometric screening system for all passengers to prevent identity fraud and strengthen airport security.
"Too many travellers use fake IDs. This system will verify every passenger in real time," he said.
Additionally, funds were approved for the installation of runway lighting at select airports to enable extended operations beyond daylight hours.
"Some airports currently shut down at 6 pm because of poor lighting. Once upgraded, operations can continue until 10 or 11 pm, improving efficiency and airline profitability," he said.
Keyamo appealed to aviation labour unions to support the reforms, describing them as crucial for the sector’s transformation.
"I am a friend of the workers. But no labour organisation can override executive decisions taken in the national interest," he said.
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