The Federal Government has barred the sale or transfer of aviation properties to private entities, declaring them national assets. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced the policy after Thursday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
Keyamo said the order overrides past asset liquidation efforts, stressing that facilities like staff quarters must remain public to ensure quick response by essential personnel such as firefighters and air traffic controllers.
He warned that “anyone who believes they’ve acquired such property should think again.”
The FEC also approved eight aviation projects covering safety, infrastructure, and digital upgrades. These include maintenance and technical support for Aeronautical Information Management systems at major international airports in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu; deployment of Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) systems; and installation of 14 VHF communication units for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
To meet ICAO standards, the council also approved 15 new airport rescue and firefighting trucks and lighting upgrades to extend operating hours at select airports.
Keyamo revealed that NAMA will soon relocate to a purpose-built headquarters in Abuja to enhance security.
Additionally, the council endorsed a study on the planned concession of Port Harcourt International Airport, with over six firms showing interest. Keyamo assured workers that no jobs would be lost.
Other approvals include biometric, NIN-linked passenger screening at airports to curb identity fraud.
The minister urged aviation unions to support the reforms, noting that while he values workers’ rights, “labour organisations cannot override executive decisions.”
