In response to public inquiries, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) addressed the recent directive from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, to relocate FAAN’s corporate headquarters from Abuja back to its original base, Lagos.
FAAN clarified that the decision was reached after extensive consultations with stakeholders and unions, deeming it in the best interest of both the Authority and the country. Key points outlined in the statement include:
Individuals initially moved to Abuja due to a lack of office space have returned to Lagos, as the decision was criticized for being ill-advised from the start. Returning to Lagos would result in individuals being classified as working “OUT OF STATION,” leading to Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) expenses. The Minister aims to curb unnecessary financial strain on public resources. Alternative options, such as abandoning the old FAAN building in Lagos and renting office space in Abuja, were considered. However, stakeholders and the Minister opposed this, citing that the majority of FAAN’s activities, especially the high passenger volume, are centered in Lagos. The Minister proposes plans to engage concessionaires to construct suitable offices for FAAN in both Lagos and Abuja. Until then, FAAN will continue managing its existing building in Lagos, accommodating all Directors and senior officials. Operational offices in Abuja remain unaffected, with no scaling down of operations. The decision solely pertains to the technical designation of the “corporate headquarters” and doesn’t impact day-to-day operations in both cities. A final decision on the permanent headquarters location will be made in the future, depending on the completion of new corporate buildings in both Lagos and Abuja.
FAAN assures the public of its commitment to acting in the best interest of the country. The Minister emphasizes his dedication to decisions that prioritize the nation’s welfare, particularly in managing public funds, and resists ethnic or sectional sentiments that could compromise this commitment. The directive has sparked controversy, with opinions divided on the relocation decision.
