The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stood firm on the government’s initiative to relocate the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters from Abuja to Lagos during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Wednesday.
Despite facing opposition from various northern groups and political figures like Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Keyamo defended the decision, emphasizing its alignment with economic and operational imperatives.
Keyamo also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, highlighted that the relocation aims to achieve substantial cost savings for the Nigerian government and its citizens, estimating an annual reduction of half a billion naira in airfare expenses for FAAN officials commuting between Lagos and Abuja for official duties.
This strategic move, backed by recommendations from top FAAN officials and aviation unions, is projected to enhance operational efficiency significantly.
Responding to queries regarding President Bola Tinubu’s involvement in the decision-making process, Keyamo clarified that he autonomously made the decision, emphasizing that the relocation pertains solely to the headquarters of one out of the seven aviation agencies in Nigeria.
Ada Peter
