FG Sacks FAAN Director over Appointment Irregularities

The federal government has sacked the director of finance of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Tochukwu Bede Uchendu.

Uchendu was relieved of his appointment following a petition by two leading aviation labour unions over irregularities associated with his appointment and unapproved waiver grants worth N1 billion, respectively.

The Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) had last week, petitioned the head of service of the federation calling for the sack of two directors in the FAAN – the directors of finance and commercial.

In a letter dated April 27, 2015, which was signed by the director of Human Resources, A. A. Tsafe, for the Minister of Aviation, Uchendu was directed to vacate the office until a due process initiated for his appointment was concluded and formal letter of appointment issued to him.

“We regretfully inform you that the letter (his appointment letter) is hereby withdrawn pending the conclusion of the necessary due process on the matter,” it said.

 Meanwhile, a committee has been set up to investigate the allegation against the director accused of granting waivers worth N1 billion to two companies without approval from either the ministry or FAAN.