FAAN Justifies Minister’s Directive to Relocate Headquarters to Lagos
In response to the directive issued by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, instructing the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to move its headquarters from Abuja to Lagos, FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, has elaborated on the reasoning behind this strategic decision.
Internal Memo Reveals Minister’s Directive
An internal memo, dated January 15, 2024, titled “Relocation of FAAN Headquarters From Abuja to Lagos,” outlined the Minister’s directive.
The memo tasked FAAN’s Director of Human Resources and Administration with assessing the implications of relocating the agency’s operations to Lagos.
Operational Efficiency and Best Interest of FAAN
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, emphasized that the decision to move the headquarters was made in the best interest of the authority.
Orah acknowledged that those affected by the relocation had returned to Lagos, highlighting the impracticality of moving the headquarters to Abuja initially.
Minister’s Vision to End Resource Waste
Orah stated that the Minister aimed to prevent the waste of public resources and the unnecessary expenditure of public funds on renting office space in Abuja.
The decision to move back to Lagos was seen as a strategic move to align the location with the majority of FAAN’s activities, particularly considering the substantial passenger volume at Lagos airports.
Future Plans: Engaging Concessionaires for Office Construction
FAAN revealed that the Minister plans to engage concessionaires for the construction of suitable offices in both Lagos and Abuja.
Until then, FAAN will manage its existing building in Lagos, capable of accommodating all directors and senior officials.
Orah clarified that operational offices in Abuja remain fully functional, emphasizing the technical nature of the decision with no impact on ongoing operations in both cities.