On Thursday, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced its decision to move its corporate headquarters from Abuja to Lagos as a cost-cutting measure, according to a statement by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN in Abuja.
The directive for the relocation came from Mr. Festus Kayamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who aimed to prevent the wastage of public funds. Mrs. Orah stated that the move was a collective decision involving FAAN management, stakeholders, and unions, deeming it in the best interest of the authority and the nation.
She explained that those affected by the relocation had returned to Lagos due to the absence of office space in Abuja. The initial decision to move to Abuja was criticized as impractical, given the lack of suitable FAAN facilities there. With the return to Lagos, the Authority will be obligated to pay Daily Task Allowance (DTA) to those working out of station, as their official posting was to Abuja.
Emphasizing that over 60% of FAAN activities occur in Lagos due to the high passenger volume at Lagos airports, Mrs. Orah revealed the Minister’s plans to engage concessionaires in constructing suitable offices in both Lagos and Abuja. Until these developments, FAAN will manage its existing building in Lagos, accommodating all directors and senior officials.
Mrs. Orah clarified that FAAN’s operations in Abuja remain unaffected, with full operational offices in place. The decision to relocate the corporate headquarters is a technical one, and a final determination of the permanent headquarters will be made in the future based on the evolving circumstances. FAAN is committed to acting in the best interest of the public and the nation, she concluded.