The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has concluded plans to guide against future encroachment of airport lands with the procurement of radar surveillance system at the Lagos and Abuja airports.
FAAN Managing Director, Capt Rabiu Yadudu confirmed the development during the House of Representatives Sub-Committee on Aviation on-the-spot assessment of the demolition of some buildings at Runview Estate, Ajao Estate, Lagos on Sunday.
FAAN explained that owners of the buildings were dully notified and were warned of the dangers of the buildings on waterways, pipelines and perimeter fences, blocking access to security patrol.
FAAN said the land presently housing the MMIA, 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.
Speaking to newmen, Yadudu explained that the motive and primary aim of the demolition exercise was for safety and security of flight operations and also the safety and security of those inside the house.
Yadudu said it would quickly re-erect the fence and protect it with a radar surveillance patrol system, which was automatic and zooms around 360 degrees with a radius of about 8km.
“I don’t think it was demolition, but removal of illegal buildings by FAAN. There is a purpose and direction for removing the illegal structures even though the illegal owners may have lost money, but we saved lives.
“So, we will continue to do our own oversight, monitor with the help of the radar surveillance equipment and carry out surveillance of the place in conjunction with the other residents of the area.
“It is important to clarify that this is a case of direct and willful disregard to the authority and rule of law. That was what created it. We also have regular patrols in those areas,” he said.
Yadudu explained that FAAN had spent about three years processing the equipment but now, it was on the high sea for installation at Lagos and Abuja airports, adding that it could detect any image, ‘even a rabbit it will focus on it.
He added that FAAN had also bought a mobile rationale video for that purpose, adding that it now had the automatic and the manual patrols which were also effective for the people residing in the area.
Yadudu said the authority was forced to embark on this demolition exercise because there was need for FAAN to protect the airport for recertification.
He said FAAN would continue to do perform its oversight, monitor and carry out surveillance of the place in conjunction with the other residents of the area to prevent future encroachment.
In his remark, the Chairman, Sub-Committee on Ajao Estate Demolition, Mr Ifeanyi Momah said they came on the spot assessment after the session that they had with the management team of FAAN.
Momah said the committee would make their position known officially to the public in due course.
The chairman added that the committee would address the media on some of the lingering issues.
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