More than a year after making payments and signing agreements, several vendors are yet to be allocated shop spaces at the new terminal of the Lagos International Airport, despite fulfilling all requirements set by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The affected business owners alleged that the FAAN management and the Director of Commercial Services have refused to grant them access to their allocated spaces since 2023, without providing any explanation.
Many of them secured bank loans to make the required payments, but their investments remain in limbo.
“This has never happened in the history of FAAN,” an affected shop owner told The Guardian. “Existing tenants are also being forced out of their shops because certain officials have vested interests. It is unfair and economically damaging.”
Findings show that the situation extends beyond the new terminal. Similar actions are allegedly being taken at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), where some yearly tenants were given only a one-month quit notice.
According to the affected business owners, over 20 people were initially denied their spaces, though a few were later granted access through unclear selection criteria. No refunds have been issued to those still waiting.
One entrepreneur, who paid N2.86 million for a 29-square-metre shop, presented proof of payment but has yet to receive access. The standard cost per square metre is N60,000, alongside a N1 million non-refundable agreement fee.
The affected parties continue to demand answers and intervention, emphasising that the forced evictions and denied allocations threaten livelihoods in an already struggling economy.
Attempts to get reactions from FAAN proved abortive.
The FAAN General Manager, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Onah, through a phone call, told The Guardian that she was not aware of the matter but she would inquire from the necessary department, and get back.
After days of no response, the reporter called the GM several times but with no response. The reporter also sent messages via WhatsApp, but no response was given as at the press time yesterday.
