FAAN HQ Returns to Lagos as Keyamo Overturns Sirika’s Decision

ABUJA, (iexclusivenews) – The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been instructed to move its headquarters from Abuja back to Lagos by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo.

This is a reversal of the policy initiated by his predecessor, Senator Hadi Sirika, who had ordered the relocation of aviation agencies to the nation’s capital in 2020.

Keyamo’s Directive to FAAN

According to an internal memo issued by the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Minister’s directive was communicated to the Director, Human Resources and Administration of the authority.

The memo dated 15th of January, 2024 stated: “The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has directed that the Headquarters of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) should be relocated from Abuja to Lagos. Consequent upon the above, you are requested to provide the implication of the relocation to the management.”

The memo did not specify the reason for the relocation, nor the deadline for its implementation.

However, it is believed that Keyamo’s decision was influenced by the feedback from the aviation stakeholders and the operational challenges faced by the agencies in Abuja.

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Sirika’s Policy and Its Controversy

Sirika had in a letter dated 4th May, 2020 FMA/PMD/7061/T/4 and signed by the then Director, Human Resource Management, Alhaji Mohammad Shehu argued that the relocation order was premised on the current global economic situation and the need to reduce cost of governance.

The letter captioned, “Relocation of Aviation Agencies to Abuja” read:

“I am directed to remind you of a Presidential directive issued in 2012 requesting all the agencies under the Ministry of Aviation to relocate their corporate headquarters to the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) for efficient and effective coordination and enhanced service delivery and note that eight (8) years after the directive, the agencies are yet to comply.”

The agencies affected by the relocation order included the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), FAAN.

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) which is now Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

The order was met with strong resistance and protest by the unions and stakeholders in the industry, who argued that it would disrupt the smooth running of the aviation sector and increase the cost of operations.

They also pointed out that none of the agencies had offices in Abuja and that the relocation would affect the staff welfare and productivity.

Despite the opposition, the agencies complied with the order at the time.

Sirika even went ahead to demolish the corporate headquarters of NSIB in Lagos to make way for the expansion of the apron of the new terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

This move was widely criticized as a waste of public funds and a disregard for the safety investigation agency.

Implications of the Relocation

The relocation of FAAN headquarters to Lagos is seen as a welcome development by many in the aviation industry, who believe that it will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the authority.

Lagos is the commercial hub of Nigeria and the busiest airport in the country, handling over 50% of the passenger and cargo traffic.

By being closer to the main airport, FAAN will be able to monitor and manage the airport operations more effectively and respond to any issues or emergencies faster.

However, the relocation also poses some challenges and costs for the authority and its staff.

FAAN will have to secure a suitable office space in Lagos, which may be more expensive than in Abuja.

It will also have to relocate its staff and equipment, which may cause some disruption and inconvenience.

Moreover, FAAN will have to maintain a liaison office in Abuja to coordinate with the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and other relevant agencies.

The relocation of FAAN headquarters to Lagos is a major policy change in the Nigerian aviation sector, which reflects the vision and priorities of the new Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo.

It remains to be seen how the relocation will affect the performance and prospects of FAAN and the aviation industry as a whole.