The administration of President Bola Tinubu has voided the sale of staff quarters belonging to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to private individuals.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, the decision to exclude all FAAN properties located within and around airport environments from any form of disposal to private individuals was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
He explained that while such sales of government properties date as far back as the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, airport environments are designated security areas and are not suitable for private residential use, particularly for individuals raising families within such zones.
He added that airport areas are sensitive locations and the continued sale of government-owned properties situated in such zones have continued to raise concerns.
“The issue of selling government properties dates back to the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“However, there have been persistent representations that staff quarters around airports are meant to serve essential airport personnel such as fire service officers, air traffic controllers and other critical workers.
“Properties around airport environments are security areas and should not be occupied by private individuals,” the Minister said.
themomentng understands that the decision of the federal government comes amidst controversy surrounding FAAN staff quarters in Kano, where some retired and serving staff have laid claim to ownership of their official accommodation after making payments under the owner-occupier scheme.
The position of the government renders such transactions invalid cementing the idea that airport-related properties must remain under public control for operational and security purposes.
