President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive prohibiting the sale or transfer of all properties belonging to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) located within or near airport premises.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a press briefing with State House correspondents on Thursday, following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
Keyamo stated that the President’s directive overrides any previous administration’s efforts to sell or liquidate FAAN assets, emphasizing that the facilities are strategic national resources that must remain under government control.
He explained that the decision was driven by operational safety concerns, noting that certain aviation staff, including firefighters and air traffic controllers, must reside within airport grounds to respond swiftly during emergencies.
“These properties will not be handed over to private entities,” the minister declared. “If anyone thinks they’ve acquired one, they should reconsider.”
Procurement and Infrastructure Developments
Keyamo further revealed that the FEC approved eight major initiatives for the aviation sector, focusing on safety enhancement, infrastructure upgrades, technological advancement, and improved security systems.
Among the approved projects were procurement contracts for maintenance and technical support of Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) systems across Nigeria’s five major international airports in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.
Additionally, the council approved the installation of advanced Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) energy infrastructure nationwide, as well as 14 new VHF remote communication stations for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), aimed at improving communication reliability and flight safety.
To align with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, the FEC also approved the purchase of 15 new airport rescue and firefighting vehicles designed for the major airports.
Keyamo announced that NAMA would soon move into a newly constructed, purpose-built headquarters in Abuja, ending its tenancy in commercial buildings. He highlighted the risks associated with housing sensitive command and control centres in privately owned properties.
Port Harcourt Airport and Concession Plan
The council also approved an economic feasibility study for the concession of Port Harcourt International Airport’s operations. Keyamo noted that under the current administration, there has been a resurgence of investor interest in the airport concession process.
“Prior to our tenure, interest was nonexistent. Today, more than six firms are vying for the opportunity,” he said, assuring aviation unions that no staff layoffs would result from the concession plans.
In addition, the FEC approved the introduction of a National Identification Number (NIN)-integrated biometric verification system for passengers across all Nigerian airports. The initiative aims to curb identity fraud and strengthen national security.
“Far too many flyers use bogus IDs. This tech will verify identities in real time,” Keyamo stated.
Runway Illumination and Extended Operations
The minister confirmed that part of the approved projects includes funding for the installation of runway lighting systems at selected airports, which will enable extended night operations and improve airline profitability.
“Certain airports close at 6 p.m. due to absent lights. These enhancements will extend service to 10 or 11 p.m.,” he explained.
Keyamo urged aviation labour unions to support the ongoing reforms, assuring them that the government remains committed to workers’ welfare but warning that “labour organisations cannot override executive decisions.”
What you should know
President Bola Tinubu has banned the sale or transfer of FAAN-owned properties near airports to safeguard national assets.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced this alongside FEC’s approval of eight new sectoral reforms, including advanced communication systems, biometric screening, airport concessions, and runway lighting to enhance safety, efficiency, and investor confidence.
