THE WILL NEWS
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has said the demolition of illegal structures on its property in Ajao Estate area of Lagos State, was effected to ensure Airport safety and security.
The Authority, in a statement issued on Tuesday, by Faithful A. Hope-Ivbaze (Mrs), Ag GM Corporate Affairs, said the demolished structures, posed grave dangers to the operations of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Reiterating its resolve to ensure safety, security and comfort in keeping its mandate, FAAN said the removal of illegal structures has been scheduled to be carried out across all other airports that have similar challenges.
It advise all illegal occupants to relocate from all airports lands for safety and security purposes.
The statement read: “With respect to the recent demolition of 13 houses posing grave dangers to the operations of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), wishes to make some clarifications to correct the erroneous information circulating in the public.
“It is important to state clearly that the area of land presently housing the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos was acquired for public use by the Federal Government of Nigeria
through the Lands Acquisition Ordinance by FGN Official Gazettes in 1944, 1972, and 1975 respectively.
“Sometimes in the year 2000, the Authority noticed some encroachments within its acquired land in Lagos and a committee was set up to investigate and compel those encroaching to cease and desist from such actions.
“The committee thus put up “Caveat Emptors” and positioned them strategically within the areas under encroachment (they are still in place).
“Publications were done in national dailies and advertorial jingles in local radio stations, warning people of the risks in purchasing and building on Restricted Aviation Land without consideration to the direct dangers on aircraft operations and the building occupants themselves. These warnings were not heeded.
“In 2008, some residents of Ajao axis of the encroached land, under the aegis of “Runview Cooperative” approached the Authority for regularisation of their stay on the land.
“To avoid a situation of wanton damage and colossal losses, the present administration on assuming office, inaugurated a “Regularisation Committee on FAAN Encroached Lands and Property.
