President directs strict protection of airport lands as FEC clears new safety, technology, and infrastructure projects across Nigeria’s aviation sector….
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a decisive order barring the sale or transfer of any Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) properties situated within or around the country’s airport premises.
The announcement came on Thursday through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), during a media briefing at the State House in Abuja following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
Keyamo explained that the directive overrides all previous attempts by past administrations to liquidate or concession any FAAN assets, stressing that such facilities are critical national resources and must remain under public ownership.
According to him, the affected sites provide essential accommodation and services for key operational staff including firefighters and air traffic controllers whose proximity to the airports ensures quick emergency response.
“These properties will not be handed over to private entities. If anyone thinks they’ve acquired one, they should reconsider,” Keyamo warned.
FEC Endorses Eight Key Aviation Projects
The minister also disclosed that the FEC approved eight major projects for the aviation sector, covering safety improvements, modern communication systems, concession frameworks, and enhanced security measures.
Among the new initiatives are procurement deals for the maintenance and technical support of the Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) systems across Nigeria’s five major international airports in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.
The council further approved the installation of Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) infrastructure nationwide and 14 Very High Frequency (VHF) remote communication stations for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), aimed at improving the reliability of air navigation and safety oversight.
New Equipment, Infrastructure, and Concessions
To align Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, the FEC endorsed the acquisition of 15 modern airport rescue and firefighting trucks for deployment across the same five airports.
Keyamo revealed that NAMA, which has long operated from leased commercial spaces in Abuja, will soon relocate to a purpose-built headquarters, describing the move as necessary to safeguard sensitive command operations.
In another major decision, the FEC approved the economic viability study for the planned privatisation of Port Harcourt International Airport’s operations.
The minister noted renewed private sector interest in the project, saying:
“Before our tenure, there was little enthusiasm. Today, over six firms have shown interest. I assure workers that no one will lose their jobs.”
Biometric Screening, Runway Lighting Also Approved
Other approvals include the rollout of a biometric passenger screening system integrated with the National Identification Number (NIN) database. The initiative, Keyamo said, will drastically reduce impersonation and improve airport security through real-time identity verification.
The council also validated budgetary allocations for the installation of runway lighting systems at selected airports to enable night-time operations and boost airline profitability.
“Some airports currently shut down by 6 p.m. because of poor lighting. With these upgrades, operations can now extend to 10 or 11 p.m.,” the minister added.
Keyamo Appeals to Labour Unions
While reaffirming his commitment to protecting workers’ welfare, Keyamo appealed to aviation unions to support the government’s reforms, noting that “labour organisations cannot override executive decisions.”
He maintained that the reforms will ultimately strengthen Nigeria’s aviation system, attract investment, and ensure the sustainable management of public assets.
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