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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reiterated the decision to relocate the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos, emphasizing that there is no turning back on this initiative.
Despite opposition from figures like Senator Ali Ndume and various northern groups who expressed concerns about marginalization, Keyamo asserted that the relocation aligns with current economic and operational imperatives.
Highlighting the rationale behind the move, Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, emphasized the cost-saving benefits, estimating that the relocation would save the government and Nigerians approximately half a billion naira previously spent on air tickets for officials commuting between Lagos and Abuja.
Keyamo disclosed that top FAAN officials and aviation unions advocated for the relocation to enhance operational efficiency, underscoring the importance of aligning the authority’s headquarters with practical needs.
Responding to queries about President Bola Tinubu’s awareness of the decision, Keyamo clarified that as the minister, such decisions fall within his purview.
He emphasized that only one of the seven aviation agencies in the country would undergo relocation, stressing that the move aims to streamline decision-making processes rather than concentrating on physical infrastructure.
Keyamo shed light on the logistical challenges stemming from the previous relocation of aviation agencies’ headquarters to Abuja in 2020, highlighting the inadequate provision for key personnel and support staff.
He emphasized that the significance of a headquarters lies in its role as the focal point for decision-making, not necessarily its physical location or size.
Keyamo underscored the inefficiencies exacerbated by FAAN’s lack of digitalization, citing the substantial expenditure on flight tickets for routine trips between Lagos and Abuja, which amounted to approximately N450 million annually.
In conclusion, Keyamo emphasized the imperative of the relocation for optimizing operational efficiency and reducing unnecessary expenses, signaling a firm commitment to the decision despite opposition and scrutiny.
