Keyamo clarifies government’s policy banning sale of FAAN properties, FEC’s approvals

*Barr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, explains the order supersedes any asset liquidation efforts from prior governments

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Barr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Honourable Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Thursday, November 6, 2025, clarified President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy decision to stop any asset liquidation efforts from previous administrations regarding the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

ConsumerConnect reports Keyamo said the affected assets are vital national resources that must stay in “public hands” for the benefit of Nigerians.

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The Minister made this clarification at a media briefing with the State House Correspondents, shortly after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, FCT.

Earlier, President Tinubu had directed a strict prohibition on the sale, or transfer of any properties owned by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and located within or adjacent to airport areas across the West African country.

Minister affirms ‘FAAN properties won’t be given to private entities’

Expatiating further on the Federal Government’s policy halting the sale of FAAN’s properties and assets, Barr. Keyamo also highlighted the necessity of “on-site housing” for critical aviation staff, such as firefighters and air traffic controllers, to enable swift crisis interventions at the country’s airports.

He equally emphasised this is a major reason for preserving such properties as strategic assets in the aviation sector of the Nigerian economy.

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The Minister warned: “These properties will not be handed over to private entities.

“If anyone thinks they’ve acquired one, they should reconsider.”

FEC approves 8 initiatives to improve aviation industry

In a related development, the FEC Thursday, approved eight initiatives for the aviation sector, covering safety protocols, technological advancements, concessions, and fortified security measures at Nigerian airports.

These include procurement deals for upkeep and technical support of Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) systems at the country’s five primary international gateways in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu.

The Council as well authorised the rollout of cutting-edge Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) energy infrastructure across the country, plus 14 VHF remote communication units for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to improve air navigation reliability.

In accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements, the Federal Executive Council gave approval for acquisition of 15 specialised airport rescue and firefighting trucks tailored for those same major hubs.

Aside from this, NAMA, which has been leasing office space in Abuja, will soon occupy a custom-designed headquarters there, stated Keyamo.

He cited the hazards of situating sensitive command centres in commercial properties in Nigeria.

The FEC further endorsed the economic viability study for privatising Port-Harcourt International Airport’s operations.

Under the present leadership, Keyamo disclosed there is increased private sector enthusiasm in this regard.

The Minister stated: “Prior to our tenure, interest was nonexistent. Today, more than six firms are vying for the opportunity.”

He assured industry unions that no staff redundancies would result from the deal on privatising the airport operations.

Other nods included a seamless, NIN-integrated biometric screening for passengers at all airports aimed at curbing impersonation and bolstering defences across Nigeria’s aviation facilities.

“Far too many flyers use bogus IDs. This tech will verify identities in real time,” Keyamo said.

The Council equally validated 2024 Budget allocations for runway illumination at targeted facilities, enabling round-the-clock viability and aiding carriers’ profitability.

“Certain airports close at 6 p.m. due to absent lights. These enhancements will extend service to 10 or 11 p.m.,” he added.

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