The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commenced the demolition of residential buildings in the Aviation Quarters of Kano State, triggering a dispute with occupants who claim legitimate ownership of the affected properties.
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Residents, led by Mustapha, Secretary of the Aviation Quarters Committee, argue that the houses were lawfully acquired through the federal government’s monetization policy introduced in 2003. They accuse FAAN of disregarding the sales agreements despite approvals granted by relevant authorities.
In response to the demolitions, the residents have taken legal action, seeking a restraining order against FAAN to prevent further destruction of their homes. Mustapha stressed that since 2011, they have engaged the government on the issue and obtained necessary documents from the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC), urging FAAN to verify the sales with the appropriate agencies.
However, FAAN’s Acting Regional General Manager for Northwest Kano, Ahmad Danjuma, defended the demolitions, asserting that the Aviation Quarters were originally designated for airport staff and should not have been sold without FAAN’s authorization. He further alleged that some FAAN employees had unlawfully resold the properties to third parties, resulting in unauthorized modifications.
