The managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has emphasized the need for continuity in infrastructure projects across Nigeria’s airports, citing previous lapses caused by leadership transitions.
Speaking on her 100 days in office on a television station, Kuku revealed how FAAN had embarked on minor rehabilitation works to address immediate concerns.
The FAAN MD, who used the opportunity to shed light on the progress and challenges confronting Nigeria’s aviation sector under President Bola Tinubu government declared: “If you’ve travelled in the past 90 days, you would notice cleaner airports, improved lighting, and more spacious facilities”.
Kuku highlighted some of the key interventions her management has taken to include: enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities and ensuring functional conveniences like toilets, elevators, and escalators at the airports.
Using the Nnamdi Azikwe airport at Abuja as an example Kuku remarked: “Six months ago, it was almost like the hall of doom. Now, it’s lit up, the seating arrangements are better, and the space has been expanded.”
While revealing that the massive airports upgrade has been spread across Nigeria, she clarified the controversy on the viability of Nigeria’s 30 airports, kicking against the call for the underperforming airports.
The MD, who stressed the crucial socio-economic benefits inherent in such Airports said: “Rather than shutting them down, we are focusing on increasing economic activity around them, particularly through cargo operations.”
Other remarkable steps she has taken was the FAAN partnerships with state governments to transform airports like Kano, Jos, and Ogun into cargo hubs.
Kuku who said FAAN’s strategy involved integrating agro-products into the value chain to boost food security and export potential, stated: “This requires feeder systems, packaging, logistics, and testing labs to support cargo operations effectively,”
Speaking on airport concessions plans, she expressed support for the model of combining public-private partnerships (PPP) and government oversight even as she hinted at an ongoing efforts to review the concession processes to address issues such as job security for existing staff and financial frameworks.
“The Minister has made it clear that no jobs will be lost. We are in the project development stage to ensure alignment between private partners and national goals,” she stated.
Kuku during the television interview addressed controversies surrounding the N532 billion budget for the Abuja airport second runway construction and rehabilitation, clarifying that the sum covers 17 runways, including perimeter roads, fencing, and apron expansions, saying: “Runways have exceeded their lifespan of 20–25 years, necessitating reconstruction for safety.”
She however rejected the call for a specialised aviation finance bank, advocating instead for leveraging existing financial institutions with credit guarantees and other instruments to support the sector.
While describing the recent recertification of Lagos and Abuja airports as a significant milestone, bringing the facilities in line with global standards, Kuku
revealed ongoing efforts to secure similar certification for Nigeria’s other international airports in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
Kuku who said in the course of carrying out her tasks she had stepped on toes, however pledged to continue to prioritize critical infrastructure and safety.
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Her words: “If I realise it’s not working, I’ll resign, but for now, my focus is on making sure Nigerians are safe and our airports are up to standard.”
