Barrister Festus Keyamo

In a decisive move to safeguard national assets and reinforce aviation security, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has clarified that all properties belonging to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) are public assets that cannot be sold or transferred to private individuals, irrespective of previous misconceptions or unofficial claims.

The Minister made this statement while briefing the press on recent efforts to address recurring property disputes at airports nationwide.

He noted that several individuals, including some retired FAAN employees, had relied on outdated or misinterpreted directives from the defunct Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on Government Properties to assert ownership over airport quarters and related 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 from that exercise due to their importance to aviation security,” the Minister clarified.

He added that the current administration, through the approval of a new memo by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), has revalidated this exclusion, leaving no ambiguity about the government’s position.

“Mr. President has now graciously 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 that must remain under government control,” Keyamo stated.

Airport environments, the Minister stressed, require the presence of essential staff, such as firefighters, security officers, and technical experts, who must live in proximity to respond swiftly to emergencies.

Private ownership within such zones compromises not only FAAN’s operational readiness but also national security.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has echoed the Minister’s position, assuring stakeholders that it remains committed to upholding the integrity of airport infrastructure and preventing unauthorized occupation or sale of any property under its control.

FAAN further warns individuals making false ownership claims to desist or face appropriate legal action

The Authority also urges all staff and the general public to disregard any purported sale or title document relating to airport properties, as these have no legal basis.

“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’s management affirmed.