November 13, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government has prohibited private ownership of properties located within airport security zones, reaffirming that all assets belonging to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) remain public property that cannot be sold or transferred to individuals.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), made this known while briefing journalists on the government’s efforts to resolve lingering property disputes across airports in the country.
He explained that some individuals, including retired FAAN staff, had falsely laid claim to airport quarters and facilities based on outdated directives from the defunct Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on Government Properties.
“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.
Keyamo added that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently revalidated this exclusion through an approved memo, reinforcing the government’s stance on the matter.
“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,” he stated.
The minister emphasized that airport environments require essential personnel such as firefighters, security officers, and technical experts to reside nearby to ensure rapid emergency response.
He warned that private ownership within these areas could compromise both operational efficiency and national security.
In a statement, FAAN reiterated its commitment to safeguarding all airport properties and maintaining the integrity of aviation infrastructure.
The Authority also cautioned individuals making false ownership claims to desist or face legal consequences, adding that any purported sale or title document relating to airport properties is invalid.
“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’s management affirmed.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
