Abuja: The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has sanctioned significant aviation initiatives, including the concession of Port Harcourt International Airport and the implementation of biometric verification systems across airports in Nigeria. This development was announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a press briefing at the State House following the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Keyamo revealed that FEC considered and approved eight memos from his ministry, which focused on airport management, infrastructure, safety, and modernization strategies. Among these approvals was an endorsement for contracts that ensure maintenance and support services for airport management solutions at the country’s five international airports, located in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.
Keyamo highlighted the procurement and installation of advanced tertiary power systems and 14 VHF remote stations by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) as measures to enhance navigational safety. Additionally, he noted the approval for the purchase of 15 airport rescue and firefighting vehicles to meet standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The minister also clarified that the Council decided to exclude all Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) residential and operational properties within and around airport premises from being sold to private individuals. This decision underscores the importance of maintaining security and safety in these zones.
On the infrastructure front, Keyamo announced the approval for constructing a permanent headquarters for NAMA in Abuja, following its relocation from Lagos. This move aims to address security concerns associated with operating from rented facilities.
Furthermore, the FEC approved the full business case for the concession of Port Harcourt International Airport to private investors, marking a renewed investor interest since the Tinubu administration came into power. Keyamo assured that the concession arrangement would not result in job losses for aviation workers, as the focus remains on enhancing operational efficiency.
In an effort to bolster security, the Council also approved the concession of biometric verification systems at all airports. This system will integrate passengers’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) with airport databases to verify identities during travel, aligning with ICAO safety reforms.
Keyamo mentioned plans to upgrade airport lighting systems to facilitate night operations, which will enhance airline productivity and revenue. He reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to modernizing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and ensuring the sector’s competitiveness on a global scale.