President Bola Tinubu has issued a firm directive prohibiting the sale or transfer of any property owned by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) located within or around airport premises.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision on Thursday during a briefing with State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
Keyamo clarified that the President’s order overrides any previous government’s asset disposal plans, stressing that the affected properties are vital national assets that must remain under public ownership. He emphasised the need for on-site accommodation for essential personnel, such as firefighters and air traffic controllers, to ensure rapid emergency responses.
“These properties will not be handed over to private entities,” Keyamo stated. “If anyone thinks they’ve acquired one, they should reconsider.”
FEC Approves Aviation Upgrades
The Federal Executive Council also approved eight new initiatives for the aviation sector, covering safety upgrades, digital infrastructure, concession frameworks, and enhanced security protocols.
Among the approved projects are procurement and maintenance contracts for Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) systems across Nigeria’s five major international airports—Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.
Additionally, the council authorised the installation of Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) systems and 14 Very High Frequency (VHF) remote communication stations for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), aimed at strengthening air navigation reliability.
To meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, the FEC sanctioned the purchase of 15 specialised airport rescue and firefighting vehicles for the country’s key airports.
Keyamo also disclosed that NAMA, which currently leases office space in Abuja, will soon relocate to a purpose-built headquarters, citing the risks of situating sensitive command operations in commercial properties.
Port Harcourt Airport Privatisation Study
The FEC further approved an economic viability assessment for the potential privatisation of operations at Port Harcourt International Airport. According to Keyamo, the initiative has attracted considerable private sector interest, a sharp contrast to previous years.
“Before our tenure, there was no interest. Now, more than six firms are competing for the opportunity,” he revealed, assuring aviation unions that no jobs would be lost in the process.
Enhanced Passenger Security and Night Operations
To improve airport security and efficiency, the government endorsed the introduction of a National Identification Number (NIN)-linked biometric screening system to curb identity fraud among travellers.
“Too many passengers use fake IDs. This technology will verify identities in real time,” Keyamo explained.
The council also approved budget allocations for installing runway lighting systems at selected airports, allowing extended flight operations beyond dusk.
“Many airports close by 6 p.m. due to inadequate lighting. With these upgrades, operations can run until 10 or 11 p.m.,” Keyamo added.
He called on aviation labour unions to support the ongoing reforms, affirming his commitment to workers’ welfare but insisting that “labour organisations cannot override executive decisions.”