FAAN union backs PPP, insists on staff welfare first
Nigerian aviation labor representatives have shifted their stance on airport privatization after eight years of opposition, acknowledging that federal funding limitations prevent meeting international operational standards. Union officials now support public-private partnerships for facilities, including Enugu, Ibadan, Minna and Port Harcourt airports, contingent on resolving employee benefit concerns and pension liabilities totaling approximately 1.21 billion naira across the Federal Airports Authority workforce.
The unions advocate for regional cluster arrangements where operators managing major hubs in Lagos, Abuja and Kano would incorporate smaller nearby facilities to maintain integrated asset and liability management. Workers currently operate under dual pension frameworks following an incomplete transition to contributory schemes, with some retirees still receiving payments through the original defined benefit system.
The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission will oversee the transfer process while the Federal Airports Authority retains supervisory responsibilities for performance monitoring and revenue distribution with private operators.
