Protests as FAAN overhauls airport cleaning services, contracts

•Authority lists new beneficiaries

The current janitorial contract holders have welcomed moves by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to overhaul their services at airports nationwide with protests.

The holders, who petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari on the subject matter, alleged non-compliance with due process and favouritism in the exercise.

In response to complaints about the unhygienic state of toilets at most airports nationwide, Managing Director of FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, earlier hinted that “non-performing” concessionaires would be replaced with new ones, to give the aerodromes a facelift.

But a list obtained by The Guardian showed that new contractors had been accredited and soon to replace existing contractors. For instance, about 11 contractors had been listed for cleaning services at Abuja Airport and its environs.

The current holders, however, alleged foul play, saying the current contracts are still valid and the new beneficiaries are “not professional” and “cronies of the powers that be.”

In a petition to the president, dated February 19, 2022, and signed by Arekameh & Arekemeh’s Chambers, complainants alleged underhand dealings and violation of the Public Procurement Act 2007 in “minister’s unilateral award of cleaning and janitorial services” to some 10 companies.

The petitioners urged the president to demand transparency and accountability in governance, especially in relation to FAAN, “where there is the absence of governance, or the impact of governance is not felt. You have a situation whereby political jobbers take the centre stage such as the script allegedly being acted by Senator Hadi Sirika.”

A service provider at Lagos Airport noted that the current contractors bid and got the contract, with terms of reference.

“I think if anything has changed, we should be carried alone in respect of the agreements that we signed and review of the contract will come up at the end of the current tenure.

“This is an official setting and I think the due process should be followed. I don’t think FAAN should blame us for the so-called unkempt state of the airports. We are doing our best and honouring our terms of engagement. If FAAN refuses to honour valid agreements, then we may consider a legal option,” the contractor said.