Hundreds affected as FAAN reviews past recruitment exercises

Hundreds of employees of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) may lose their jobs as the agency begins a comprehensive review of past recruitment exercises, raising concerns across its workforce.

A senior FAAN official, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent stated that the management has launched an investigation into recruitment rounds conducted between 2015 and 2017, as well as the controversial 2019 intake known as the “AFAKA Boys,” allegedly carried out by the former administration.

According to the source, the recruitments were fraught with irregularities, including violations of Federal Government hiring guidelines, questionable upgrades, and the submission of downgraded qualifications by applicants seeking to fit into lower entry levels.

The affected exercises were advertised for Levels 4 and 6—positions meant for school certificate holders and OND graduates.

However, some applicants with higher qualifications reportedly presented lower certificates to secure employment, only to later submit their true qualifications for swift upgrades.

“Some of the AFAKA Boys were upgraded from Levels 4 and 6 to Levels 9 and 10 within months,” the source said.

“Meanwhile, staff recruited between 2015 and 2017 with similar situations were never upgraded thereby creating bad blood in the system,” the source said.

The 2019 AFAKA recruitment reportedly involved about 300 staff, while the 2015–2017 intake added another 300 in multiple batches.

Complaints of unfair treatment from affected workers triggered protests and compelled management to begin a verification exercise to determine the authenticity of claims and ensure equity across the board.

FAAN confirms internal review

In a statement issued on Sunday, FAAN confirmed that its Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, had ordered an internal review of employment-related concerns brought to the attention of management.

The statement, signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and adherence to statutory standards.

“This review is aimed at strengthening clarity, ensuring uniform application of policies, and reinforcing confidence in the systems that govern staff progression,” Agbebire stated.

FAAN dismissed claims that applicants were compelled to suppress their qualifications during recruitment.

“FAAN reiterates that no employee is compelled to alter or suppress their qualifications at any point in our recruitment process,” the statement said, adding, “All procedures are based on advertised positions and voluntary submissions.”

Agbebire also insisted that the authority maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace misconduct, including harassment, intimidation, and abuse of office.

“FAAN remains committed to maintaining a work environment that rewards integrity, respects hierarchy, encourages career growth, and promotes the highest level of professionalism across all operational areas, including Aviation Security (AVSEC), Aviation Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS), and other critical departments,” the statement said.

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