The Federal Government has reversed previous arrangements that allowed personnel of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to acquire official residential quarters located within airport precincts, effectively voiding sales concluded under the owner-occupier scheme.
The decision was announced on Wednesday in Abuja by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secured Federal Executive Council approval to remove all FAAN properties situated in and around airport environments from any form of disposal to private individuals.
Keyamo explained that the move followed renewed concerns over the continued alienation of government assets in sensitive aviation zones. He noted that although the sale of such properties dates back to the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, successive representations had highlighted the operational importance of retaining staff quarters for essential airport workers.
According to the minister, the residences are intended to accommodate critical personnel, including firefighters, air traffic controllers and other workers whose proximity to airport facilities is required for effective service delivery.
He also stressed that airport surroundings are designated security areas and are unsuitable for private residential occupation, particularly for family living.
The decision has immediate implications for both serving and retired FAAN staff who had laid claim to ownership of their official accommodation after making payments under the owner-occupier arrangement. The issue has been especially contentious in Kano, where disputes had emerged over staff quarters linked to the scheme.
With the Federal Executive Council’s approval now in force, all such transactions have been invalidated, reinforcing the government’s position that properties within airport environments must remain under public ownership for security and operational purposes.
