President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has banned the sale or transfer of any properties owned by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) located within or around airport areas. The President says these assets must remain dedicated to aviation operations and national interest.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made this announcement after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday. According to him, the directive overrides any previous attempts by past administrations to sell or privatize FAAN properties.
Keyamo explained that these assets are critical to Nigeria’s aviation safety and must not be handed to private hands. He noted that housing key personnel such as firefighters and air traffic controllers within airport zones is vital for quick emergency response.
> “These properties are not for sale. If anyone believes they have acquired any, they should think again,” Keyamo warned.
In addition, the Federal Executive Council approved eight major projects for the aviation sector aimed at improving safety, technology, and national airspace security. These include procurement and maintenance of Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) systems across Nigeria’s five major international airports — Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the Council also approved the deployment of Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) systems and 14 VHF remote communication units for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). These new installations are expected to enhance communication and navigation reliability in the country’s airspace.
To comply with global aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the FEC approved the purchase of 15 advanced firefighting and rescue trucks for Nigeria’s major airports. The government also gave the green light for runway lighting installations to extend airport operations beyond daylight hours, improving airline schedules and profitability.
Keyamo added that NAMA will soon move into a newly designed headquarters in Abuja. He explained that leasing private office spaces for sensitive command centers is a risk the ministry wants to eliminate.
The Council further endorsed a feasibility study for privatizing operations at Port Harcourt International Airport, which Keyamo said has attracted strong interest from local and international investors.
> “Before now, nobody was interested. But today, over six firms are competing for the opportunity,” he said, assuring aviation workers that the process will not lead to job losses.
In another major decision, the FEC approved NIN-linked biometric screening systems at all airports to stop impersonation and fake identity use by air travelers.
Keyamo noted, “Too many passengers use false identification. This technology will verify every passenger’s true identity instantly.”
As reported by Mediaplusng.com, the Federal Government is also investing in runway illumination projects to allow nighttime operations, extending airport activity until 10 or 11 p.m.
Keyamo urged aviation unions to support the reforms, emphasizing that the government remains committed to protecting workers’ rights but must also implement strategic decisions for the growth of the aviation industry.
