Tension is rising within the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as hundreds of Aviation Security (AVSEC) and Airport Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) officers recruited in 2016 and 2017 have petitioned the Aviation Union over what they describe as eight years of discrimination, stagnation, and systemic abuse in the agency’s human-resource structure.
The officers, in a detailed petition obtained by SaharaReporters, accuse FAAN of operating double standards in certificate recognition, career progression, and rank placement ― a practice they say has reversed hierarchy within the organisation and “destroyed morale.”
Their petition follows FAAN’s November 30, 2025 press release dismissing allegations of unfair treatment and insisting its HR processes remain transparent and compliant with statutory regulations. But the aggrieved officers say the statement is “misleading, incomplete, and aimed at deflecting public scrutiny.”
‘We Entered With B.Sc, HND but Were Forced to Submit OND/SSCE’
Central to the dispute is the allegation that during the 2016/2017 recruitment, applicants with HND and B.Sc degrees were instructed to submit only OND or SSCE certificates as a condition for employment.
The officers claim they complied based on assurances that their higher qualifications would be recognised later, in line with public-service standards. Instead, nearly a decade after their engagement, they say FAAN refuses to acknowledge those qualifications or upgrade them accordingly.
“Many of us entered the system better qualified than those recruited years after us,” the petition states.
“Yet our higher certificates have remained unrecognised while junior officers, who submitted the same OND or SSCE, have been elevated above us.”
The officers say the situation violates public-service rules and has left many demoralised, emotionally distressed, and forced to resign due to frustration and depression.
‘2019–2023 Recruits Overtook Their Seniors After Backdated Upgrades’
A key grievance in the petition is the allegation that officers recruited between 2019 and 2023 — who were subjected to the same certificate-submission rules — were later allowed to resubmit their HND/B.Sc certificates.
These officers, the petitioners say, were subsequently upgraded, with their qualifications backdated to their dates of engagement. Their ranks, seniority, and salaries were reportedly adjusted upward accordingly.
“This resulted in our juniors overtaking us in rank, seniority, placement, and salary,” the petition explains.
“This reversal of hierarchy is unjust and violates natural justice, Federal Character principles, and established public-service norms.”
The aggrieved officers accuse FAAN of applying inconsistent HR standards, creating a two-tier system that benefits newer recruits while trapping earlier officers at lower grades.
FAAN, however, claims the 2016/2017 cohort was “converted,” not upgraded — a move it says harmonised their academic levels with their job roles.
But the petitioners reject that explanation.
“The conversion was merely a paperwork update that granted no rank or salary adjustment,” they argue.
“It did not restore lost seniority, while the 2019–2023 sets received full, backdated upgrades.”
FAAN’s Official Response
In its November 30 statement signed by Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, FAAN denied forcing any applicant to suppress qualifications, stating that all submissions were voluntary and based on advertised requirements.
The Authority stressed that its recruitment and promotion processes adhere to established regulations and that it maintains zero tolerance for intimidation or harassment.
It added that the Managing Director has ordered further internal reviews to strengthen policy clarity.
Officers Allege Harassment, Intimidation, Sexual Exploitation
Beyond the HR dispute, the petition includes serious allegations of workplace misconduct.
According to the officers, some managers intimidate staff who question discrepancies in the upgrade process, while female officers reportedly faced sexual harassment or coercion when seeking HR support for delayed promotions.
They insist these allegations require independent investigation to prevent interference or retaliation.
“There are patterns of non-transparent approvals, preferential upgrades, and manipulation within certain HR units,” the petition alleges.
“Officers who speak up are branded troublemakers and deliberately frustrated.”
Morale Collapse and Resignations
The officers say the prolonged stagnation has eroded morale and contributed to a wave of resignations.
“We built the foundation of AVSEC and ARFFS operations while the 2019–2023 officers were still undergraduates,” they said.
“Yet they now outrank us. This is a clear signal of forced resignation.”
What the Officers Are Demanding
The petitioners are asking the Aviation Union to compel FAAN to:
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Recognise their HND/B.Sc qualifications from the point of entry.
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Restore their seniority and correct all reversed hierarchy.
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Backdate their ranks and salaries to reflect their true qualifications.
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Conduct an independent investigation into alleged intimidation and sexual harassment.
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Establish a transparent, uniform promotion and upgrade policy across all cohorts.
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Release internal HR documents from 2016–2023—including personnel files, promotion histories, and conversion records.
Call for Union and Public Oversight
The officers say internal channels have failed for eight years, forcing them to appeal to the union, the media, and public watchdogs.
With promotion examinations approaching, they warn that the disparities will become permanent unless swift action is taken.
“This is not a request for privilege,” they concluded.
“We are simply demanding the same standard FAAN applied to junior officers.”
As FAAN continues its reform drive, the unresolved grievances of its 2016/2017 AVSEC and ARFFS officers now pose a critical test of its commitment to equity, transparency, and institutional integrity.
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