The decision to relocate the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos has been defended by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. He explained that the move was driven by the aim to save more than N450 million in airfares annually, which officials would have spent on trips from Abuja to attend meetings in Lagos.
The minister addressed concerns raised by some individuals, including Borno South Senator Ali Ndume and chieftains of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Northern Elders Forum (NEF), who argued that the relocation was an attempt to marginalize the North. Keyamo emphasized that the decision was made in line with current economic and operational realities.
Keyamo revealed that top FAAN officials and aviation unions approached him, requesting the move of the authority's head office to Lagos for operational efficiency. He clarified that only the headquarters of one of the seven aviation agencies in the country was being relocated.
Highlighting the impracticalities of the current setup, Keyamo pointed out that the headquarters is where decision-makers meet, not where the largest number of workers are located. He mentioned that over 100 of the 132 workers at the head office are in Lagos, while only the directors are in Abuja, flying daily for administrative tasks.
Regarding the failed Nigeria Air project, Keyamo disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating the controversial initiative initiated by his predecessor, Hadi Sirika. He stressed the need for a proper national carrier and vowed to establish one.
Keyamo also issued a warning to airlines, threatening to name and shame those that cancel flights without justifiable reasons.
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