The Federal Government of Nigeria in a decisive move to protect national assets and strengthen aviation security, has affirmed that all properties under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) cannot be sold, leased, or transferred to private individuals, regardless of previous interpretations or unofficial claims
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who made this known said these properties remain public assets.
Keyamo made this clarification while briefing journalists on recent disputes involving airport properties nationwide.
According to the Minister, several individuals, including some retired FAAN staff, had relied on outdated directives from the now-defunct Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on Government Properties to assert ownership of airport quarters and related buildings.
“There has been a long-standing misconception. While the PIC sold some government residential properties under the owner-occupier scheme, airport properties were specifically excluded due to their importance to aviation security,” Keyamo explained.
He revealed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has now revalidated this exclusion, formally reinforcing the government’s position on safeguarding airport national assets.
“Mr. President has 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,” he emphasised.
Keyamo highlighted that airport environments demand the constant presence of essential personnel such as firefighters, security operatives, and technical experts. Their close proximity ensures rapid response to emergencies, a critical factor for aviation safety.
Private ownership within security zones, he warned, poses serious risks to operational readiness and compromises national security.
FAAN Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting National Assets
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has fully aligned with the Minister’s directive, pledging to maintain the integrity of airport infrastructure and prevent unauthorised occupation or sale of any property under its control.
FAAN cautioned individuals making false ownership claims to desist immediately or face legal consequences. The Authority also urged staff and the general public to disregard any purported sale or title documents relating to airport national assets, as they have no legal validity.
“Our mandate is to maintain safety, efficiency, and integrity across all Nigerian airports. Protecting government property is part of protecting the nation’s aviation infrastructure,” FAAN management stated.
This policy clarification marks a renewed government stance on the protection of airport national assets, ensuring that facilities essential to aviation operations remain under federal control. It also ends years of misinterpretation regarding property ownership within airport security zones.
The move underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency, national security, and responsible stewardship of critical aviation infrastructure.
