Tinubu Orders Privatisation of Port Harcourt Airport, Stops Sale of FAAN Properties

By Diafa Doubra,

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the privatisation of the Port Harcourt International Airport as part of his administration’s plan to reform and modernise Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The decision was reached during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held earlier this week, where the President also directed an immediate ban on the sale or transfer of any property belonging to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

According to a statement from the Presidency, the privatisation aims to enhance operational efficiency, attract private investment, and improve passenger experience at the airport. Tinubu emphasised that the federal government would retain regulatory oversight to ensure safety and service standards are maintained.

The President warned that FAAN’s properties including staff quarters, fire service stations, and critical operational facilities must not be sold or leased, as they are vital for the agency’s ability to respond swiftly to emergencies and maintain essential airport services.

Aviation industry experts have welcomed the move, describing it as a step toward repositioning the sector for growth. However, they urged the government to ensure transparency and fairness in the privatisation process to avoid controversies that have plagued similar initiatives in the past.