FAAN Provides Reasons for Headquarters Relocation to Lagos

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially shifted its corporate headquarters from Abuja to Lagos, as announced on Thursday. The directive for the relocation came from Mr. Festus Kayamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with the primary objective of curbing the misuse of public resources.

Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, revealed that the decision was reached collaboratively with the FAAN management, stakeholders, and unions. She emphasized that the move was deemed essential for the well-being of the authority and the country at this juncture.

The affected personnel, who were originally relocated to Abuja, have now returned to Lagos due to the absence of suitable office space in the capital city. Orah pointed out the impracticality of the initial decision, stating that moving the headquarters to Abuja lacked foresight, considering the absence of a dedicated FAAN building in the city.

Acknowledging that over 60% of FAAN’s activities are centered in Lagos, owing to the substantial passenger volume at Lagos airports, Orah highlighted Minister Kayamo’s plans to engage concessionaires for constructing suitable offices in both Lagos and Abuja.

While awaiting the completion of new corporate buildings, FAAN will continue to operate from its existing facility in Lagos, capable of accommodating all directors and senior officials. Orah assured that full operational offices would persist in Abuja without any reduction in activities.

Addressing the long-term prospects, she stated, “In the near future, when befitting corporate buildings have been built for the authority in both Lagos and Abuja, a final decision will be taken as to the location of the permanent headquarters. This will depend on the exigencies of the time.”

Despite the headquarters relocation, FAAN remains steadfast in its commitment to acting in the best interest of the public and the nation.