President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate and total ban on the sale, lease, or transfer of all properties belonging to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) situated within or around the nation’s airports.
The directive, which overrode all previous attempts by past administrations to liquidate such assets, was announced on Thursday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Keyamo said the President’s order was issued to protect key national assets from privatization or encroachment, stressing that airport lands and facilities were strategic to aviation safety and national security.
His words: “The President has made it clear, no FAAN property within or near any airport should be sold or transferred to private individuals or organisations.
“These are strategic national assets, and they must remain under public ownership. Anyone who thinks they’ve acquired one should have a rethink,” Keyamo said.
The minister explained that such facilities were essential for accommodating critical staff such as firefighters and air traffic controllers, who need to live close to their duty posts to respond swiftly to emergencies.
During the same FEC session, the Council approved eight major proposals for the aviation sector, covering safety, digital technology, concessions, and enhanced security infrastructure.
Among the approvals was a contract for the maintenance and technical support of Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) systems at Nigeria’s five main international airports, Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.
The Council also gave the green light for the deployment of Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) systems and 14 new Very High Frequency (VHF) remote communication units for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to strengthen air traffic control operations nationwide.
To align with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, the FEC sanctioned the procurement of 15 airport rescue and firefighting vehicles specifically designed for the country’s major gateways.
Keyamo added that NAMA would soon relocate from its rented office in Abuja to a purpose-built headquarters designed to house sensitive operational and command systems, eliminating the risks associated with leasing private commercial spaces.
The minister also revealed that the Council approved an economic viability study to assess the potential for privatising operations at Port Harcourt International Airport.
According to him, investor interest in the project has surged under the current administration.
“Before now, no company showed interest. Today, we have over six firms competing to participate,” he said.
Keyamo assured aviation unions that no worker would lose their job as a result of the planned concession, adding that the initiative was designed to attract private investment, not to displace employees.
The FEC also endorsed the introduction of a biometric passenger screening system integrated with the National Identification Number (NIN) database to enhance airport security and prevent impersonation.
“Too many passengers travel under false identities. This new system will confirm identities in real time,” the minister explained.
Additionally, budgetary provisions were approved for installing runway lighting systems at select airports to extend operational hours and increase airline profitability.
“Many airports currently close at 6 p.m. due to lack of illumination. These upgrades will allow operations until 10 or 11 p.m.,” Keyamo said.
Keyamo appealed to aviation labour unions to support the government’s reform initiatives, assuring them that workers’ welfare would remain a priority.
He however, cautioned that while dialogue was welcome, labour groups could not overrule executive decisions on national policy.
“We are open to engagement, but we must understand that reforms are necessary to make our sector globally competitive,” he said.
