Minister warns against unauthorized sales of FAAN properties
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that all properties belonging to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) are public assets and cannot be sold or transferred to private individuals, amid recurring disputes over airport properties.
Keyamo made the statement while addressing the press on ongoing efforts to resolve property ownership controversies at airports nationwide.
He explained that some individuals, including retired FAAN employees, had relied on outdated or misinterpreted directives from the now-defunct Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on Government Properties to claim ownership of airport quarters and facilities.
“There has been a long-standing misconception. While the PIC sold some government residential properties under the owner-occupier scheme years ago, airport properties were specifically excluded due to their importance to aviation security,” the Minister said.
He added that the current administration has revalidated the exclusion through a Federal Executive Council (FEC) memo, emphasizing that FAAN properties must remain under government control.
“Mr. President has directed that FAAN properties within and around airports must not, under any circumstances, be disposed of to private individuals. These are operational and safety-critical facilities,” Keyamo stated.
The minister noted that airport properties are essential for staff such as firefighters, security personnel, and technical experts who need to live nearby to respond swiftly to emergencies. He warned that private ownership in these areas could compromise both operational readiness and national security.
FAAN has echoed the Minister’s position, urging the public and staff to ignore any purported sale or title documents relating to airport properties, stating that such claims have no legal standing. The Authority also warned that individuals attempting to assert false ownership would face legal action.
“Our mandate is to maintain safety, efficiency, and integrity in all Nigerian airports. Protecting government property is part of protecting the nation’s aviation infrastructure,” FAAN management affirmed.
The clarification comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to secure airport infrastructure and prevent unauthorized occupation, reinforcing the importance of maintaining government oversight over operational and safety-critical facilities.