About 300 employees of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria may be affected by a planned right-placement reorganisation exercise, which the agency announced on Sunday, The PUNCH has learnt.
In its statement on Sunday, FAAN assured staff of its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and strict adherence to statutory standards in its human-resource and administrative procedures. FAAN is out to intervene in internal grumbling among staff members, which degenerated from the alleged unfair placement of staff by the past administration.
In the seven-paragraph statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, FAAN said the recruitment, placement, and career progression processes remained governed by established regulations that promote fairness, competence, and organisational efficiency.
Agbebire added that the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, had authorised an internal review to strengthen clarity and ensure uniform application of policies.
Meanwhile, a top management staff member at FAAN, who is familiar with the development and spoke to our correspondent in confidence, as he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said FAAN management had begun investigating the recruitment exercises conducted between 2015 and 2017, as well as the controversial 2019 intake known as the “AFAKA Boys,” overseen by the then Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.
The source alleged that the former administration recruited personnel, particularly in 2019, in violation of federal recruitment guidelines, prompting the agency’s current decision to correct the alleged irregularities.
FAAN, in its statement, said most of those likely to be affected by the soon-to-commence action are Fire Service staff, Aviation Security personnel, among other critical units of the agency.
Another FAAN source familiar with the development, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the 2015–2016 and 2019 exercises were meant strictly for Levels 4 and 6, but some applicants with higher qualifications allegedly presented lower certificates to secure employment.
The AFAKA Boys of 2019, numbering about 300, were recruited in two batches, while the 2015–2017 intake brought in a similar number across three to four batches.
It was further gathered that some of the 2019 recruits later submitted their higher certificates and were upgraded accordingly, while others who “know no one in the system” were reportedly left out despite having similar qualifications. The perceived imbalance triggered protests that made the management initiate a verification exercise.
The source said, “In 2019, Sirika carried out a recruitment exercise at AFAKA Training School in Kaduna State. The exercise was just for Levels 4 to 6 (school cert and Ordinary National Diploma), but after the recruitment exercise, those with higher certificates were now unscrupulously upgraded by the former management of FAAN, and upgraded within a few months of their employment. Some of these AFAKA Boys are in Levels 9 and 10 now, from Levels 4 and 6.
“Meanwhile, some were recruited from 2015 to 2017 who had the same issue, but were not upgraded to date in accordance with their current certificates. The AFAKA Boys are still being upgraded to date because of the people they have in the system. This has caused a lot of unrest in the system, and if not nipped in the bud, it may cause a bigger crisis for FAAN.”
Agbebire, in his statement, however, said, “This review is aimed at strengthening clarity, ensuring uniform application of policies, and reinforcing confidence in the systems that govern staff progression. It will also enable management to address any gaps and improve existing structures where necessary.
“FAAN reiterates that no employee is compelled to alter or suppress their qualifications at any point in our recruitment process. All engagement procedures are based on the advertised positions, their requirements at the time, and the voluntary submissions of applicants.
“Where subsequent policy adjustments or reviews are required, FAAN ensures such matters are handled responsibly and in accordance with public service standards.”
He added that FAAN has detested workplace misconduct, including harassment, intimidation, or abuse of office. The management move may force some senior staff members to lower cadres and also regularise the entire progression of staff members at FAAN.
