The Federal Government has declared that the Senate cannot halt the ongoing demolition of offices belonging to aviation agencies at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, made the statement while addressing reporters after a Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The government’s decision comes after the Senate directed it to halt the demolition and allow the Committee on Aviation to intervene. However, Sirika argued that the Senate resolution is only advisory and cannot prevent the government from carrying out its duties.
The government intends to remove the structure housing the office of the managing director of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and commercial buildings. The structure is made of wood and has been there for 40 years, and Sirika claimed it has caught fire twice, even under their administration. The government plans to build hotels, shopping centers, offices, movie theaters, and other structures to help FAAN generate more revenue.
Sirika also cited a recent demolition carried out by the Lagos government, stating that the government successfully appealed to the Supreme Court to clear the area for construction. He emphasized that the government has a duty to act in the people’s best interests and will take action where it will have an impact on people’s lives.