The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has greenlit key projects to modernize Nigeria’s aviation sector, including the concession of Port Harcourt International Airport and introducing biometric verification systems across all airports. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo highlighted approvals for maintenance contracts at five major international airports—Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.
Further enhancements include installing advanced power systems, navigational aids, and 15 rescue and firefighting vehicles meeting ICAO standards. The Council also approved building a permanent headquarters for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in Abuja, addressing current security concerns of rented facilities.
Importantly, properties within airport safety zones under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) are now exempt from sale to private buyers to protect operational integrity. The new biometric system will link passengers’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) to airport databases, strengthening security and identity verification.
Minister Keyamo reassured workers that no jobs will be lost during privatization. The upgrades will also enhance airport lighting to enable extended night operations and improve airline productivity, confirming the administration’s commitment to a globally competitive aviation industry.
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