The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has initiated the demolition of properties in the Kano Aviation Quarters, igniting significant tension among residents who claim legal ownership of the homes. This move has raised concerns regarding the validity of FAAN’s actions, which many view as a breach of an approved property sale by the federal government.
Obadaki Muhammad Mustapha, a representative of the affected residents and a staff member of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), expressed dismay at FAAN’s decisions. He highlighted that discussions regarding the purchase of these homes have been ongoing since 2011 under the oversight of the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on the Sale of Government Properties. By 2021, the federal government had reportedly sanctioned the sale, with many residents having paid for their homes and received ownership documentation.
Mustapha accused FAAN of ignoring these transactions and the existing monetization policy established in 2003. The demolition and subsequent evictions came as a shock to the residents, prompting them to seek legal recourse to halt FAAN’s actions. “We are already in court to obtain a restraining order against FAAN’s trespass into what is now private property,” he stated. He urged FAAN to coordinate with its parent ministry and the presidency to verify their ownership documents.
In response, Ahmad Danjuma, FAAN’s Acting Regional General Manager for Northwest Kano, defended the demolition, asserting that the Aviation Quarters were intended as duty houses for airport staff and should not have been sold without FAAN’s approval. Danjuma claimed that FAAN was not consulted during the sale process, learning about it only through rumors.
He emphasized that these properties, built over 35 years ago, are critical for the safety and operational efficiency of the airport. Allegations surfaced that some FAAN employees illegally sold their houses to third parties, resulting in unauthorized alterations and extensions. Consequently, FAAN felt compelled to reclaim the properties following directives from its headquarters.
Danjuma noted that notices were issued to residents to vacate the premises, and after weeks of inaction, FAAN had no alternative but to proceed with the demolitions. The conflict has left residents in a precarious position, as they assert their legal rights while FAAN stands firm on its position regarding the unauthorized sales.
As the situation develops, the dispute appears headed for the courts, where residents will challenge FAAN’s actions and seek to affirm their claims of ownership.
