Addressing cost concerns, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has revealed its decision to relocate its corporate headquarters from Abuja to Lagos. Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, made this known in a statement released in Abuja.
According to Orah, the move was directed by Mr Festus Kayamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in an effort to prevent the wastage of public resources. She added that the decision was reached in consultation with FAAN management, stakeholders, and unions, acknowledging that the shift is currently in the best interest of the authority and the country.
Following the relocation, affected personnel have returned to Lagos due to the absence of suitable office space in Abuja. Orah criticized the initial decision to move the headquarters to Abuja, citing the lack of FAAN building capacity in the city to accommodate all personnel simultaneously.
Orah emphasized the significance of Lagos in FAAN’s operations, noting that over 60% of FAAN activities are centered in Lagos, given the substantial passenger traffic at the Lagos airports. Plans have been outlined by the Minister to engage concessionaires in constructing appropriate office spaces for FAAN in both Lagos and Abuja. Until such developments are completed, FAAN will continue managing its existing facility in Lagos to accommodate its directors and senior officials. Despite the headquarters move, full operational offices in Abuja remain unaffected.
She reassured that FAAN remains committed to acting in the public and national interest. The permanent location of the headquarters will be determined in the future, depending on prevailing circumstances and upon the construction of suitable corporate buildings in both Lagos and Abuja.