The ongoing demolition of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) structures at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos has resulted in a disagreement between the Federal Government and the Senate.
The Senate had directed the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, to stop the demolition until the Committee on Aviation had intervened. However, Minister Sirika said the Senate’s instruction, which he described as advisory, was not legally binding and could not stop the demolition. This article discusses why the FAAN structures are being demolished and government plans to build something more suitable.
The demolition of the makeshift structures, which have caught fire twice in the last 40 years, will make way for new hotels, shopping malls, cinemas and offices, which will enable FAAN to generate more revenue. Despite threats of a strike by aviation workers, the government is committed to the project, stating that it is in the national interest.
The Minister also reiterated the government’s determination to see the national carrier, Nigeria Air Limited, begin operations within the remaining days of the Buhari-administration. He said the government had been planning for the airline’s launch since 2015 and had given licenses to many airlines, including United, ValueJet, Rano Air, and Uza Air. He added that Air Peace had also grown significantly under the Buhari administration’s enabling environment.
By demolishing the FAAN structures and building more modern facilities, the government will attract more business and generate more revenue, thus benefiting the country’s citizens. The government is determined to complete the project, despite the Senate’s objections, and is committed to the timely launch of Nigeria Air Limited.