NCAA has not received directive to relocate headquarters to Lagos – Acting DG

*Amidst criticisms, thoughts of Tinubu’s personal interest into relocation

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

The DEFENDER reports questions are raised as to how the relocation of FAAN or whatever agency will bring down the price of aviation of fuel and make working condition and doing business easy for stakeholders in the aviation sector, just like how relocation of CBN to Lagos will lead to normalisation of Nigeria’s currency power.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has not received directive to relocate its headquarters from the nation’s capital, Abuja, to Lagos the former Nigeria’s capital.

The DEFENDER reports that the NCAA’s statement was coming on the heels of rumour that the new development whereby Tinubu, whose key appointees in kitchen cabinet are those he had used as commissioners and in other appointments since his time as governor of Lagos State, relocates Central Bank of Nigeria and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to Lagos appears that he feels better to rule from Lagos.

The suggestions therefore further had it that to achieve his relocation of powers from Abuja that is centre of Nigeria geographically – which someone suggested along the line as “may soon reach to relocate Aso Rock to Lagos” – he is beginning in stages with the relocation of Cenral Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and FAAN.

However, the Acting Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, disclosed on Friday that the agency was yet to receive directive to proceed along with FAAN on relocation of its headquarters to Lagos, a state Tinubu considers his stronghold politically since 1999 calling the bluff of real owners that has cried against marginalisation orchestrated by him.

Speaking at an interactive session with journalists to unveil his vision for the NCAA, titled “NCAA Project 2024,” in Lagos, Capt. Najomo stated that the NCAA headquarters remains in Abuja.

“NCAA has not received a directive to relocate; we are still in Abuja,” the acting DG said.

According to a media report, the NCAA was one of the agencies that the former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Senator Hadi Sirika, asked to relocate their head office to Abuja in 2020.

However, the directive by the current Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, directing the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to return to Lagos raised speculations that other Aviation agencies may follow suit.

Criticism followed FAAN’s relocation, with stakeholders describing it as a misplaced priority.

The DEFENDER reports questions are raised as to how the relocation of FAAN or whatever agency will bring down the price of aviation of fuel and make working condition and doing business easy for stakeholders in the aviation sector, just like how relocation of CBN to Lagos will lead to normalisation of Nigeria’s currency power.

According to the General Secretary of Aviation Round Table Initiative (ARTI), Olumide Odunayo, the minister, who is believed to only be implementing a presidential order, should be more concerned about providing quality and efficient facilities than relocating the agencies.

“I am more concerned with the provision of quality facilities at the airport, extending operating hours, fixing the runway, its lighting system, as well as the repair of the lift at the control tower. These are more important than the relocation of the agencies. We need to manage this relocation issue before we get distracted, especially now that we have new management and expanded directorates.

“The relocation should be planned rather than sudden because a huge amount of money will be spent on relocation. I would rather want necessary departments that can work from Lagos to be in Lagos while others can still be in Abuja. I don’t think relocation should be a major priority at the moment, and if it has to be, it should be a gradual process and must be justified by looking at cost components.”

He continued, “I am not seeing it as cheering news, but we should see the provision of infrastructure as important, certification of the airports, and proper structuring of regular and operational staff to put necessary bite into the organisation and place it where it should be.”

Also speaking, the former Commandant, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Capt John Ojikutu, also corroborated Ohunayo, berating the Minister for prioritising relocation against drawing a roadmap for the sector.

According to him, more pressing issues such as foreign airlines’ trapped funds, among other challenges bedevilling the sector, are more important than relocation.

“Why not ask them to relocate to Enugu, Owerri, or Port Harcourt? There is a problem with our politicians, for God’s sake. Which day did they move them out of Lagos to Abuja that they are moving them? Why did the government move them in the first place?

“What are the economic and administrative reasons for moving them? Now, these people will be moving from wherever they are back to Abuja because when they are in Lagos, the management is travelling to Abuja two to three times a week, wasting government resources. Now, they will come back to Lagos and start from ground zero.”