In the wake of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent announcement regarding the permanent relocation of key departments from Abuja to Lagos, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced its own relocation plans.
An internal memo, dated January 15, 2024, and signed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, conveyed the approval for the relocation, which was granted by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The memo, titled “RE: RELOCATION OF FAAN HEADQUARTERS FROM ABUJA TO LAGOS,” stated, “The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has directed that the Headquarters of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) should be relocated from Abuja to Lagos. Consequent upon the above, you are requested to provide the implications of the relocation to the management.”
This directive follows the recent controversy surrounding the CBN’s relocation, which sparked concerns about the potential negative impact on the institution and the nation as a whole. The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) expressed its reservations, highlighting the potential repercussions of relocating essential departments.
As the news of FAAN’s relocation surfaced, there has been speculation about the implications for the aviation sector and the agency’s operations. A staff member from the communications department mentioned that the agency would soon issue an official statement addressing the matter.
The decision to move the FAAN headquarters from Abuja to Lagos is expected to have significant implications, and stakeholders are awaiting further details to understand the reasoning behind this strategic shift in the agency’s operations.
