The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku has stated that the challenges and gaps in the Nigerian aviation industry should not just be seen as obstacles but evidence of “Nigeria’s unparalleled investment portfolio.”
While giving her opening speech and welcome remarks at the 2025 FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC) which held in Lagos, Nigeria, Mrs. Kuku highlighted the major challenges that the Nigerian aviation sector is facing as “infrastructure gaps, fx (foreign exchange) pressures and the imperatives for modernization.
According to the FAAN MD, the Nigerian aviation industry is “not just recovering, it is soaring to new heights.” Citing the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projection that “global passenger traffic is set to hit a historic 4.99 billion this year decisively surpassing the pre pandemic levels” and Airport Council International’s (ACI) forecast of “9.7 billion passengers by 2040”, Mrs. Kuku stated that “Africa is at the center of the tremendous growth” and noted that “these numbers are not just statistics but a signal of opportunities waiting to be unlocked and at the heart of this opportunity lies Nigeria.”
The FNAC 2025 which explored the theme: “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership & Global Engagements” brought together a diverse group of dignitaries including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu ably represented by Senator George Akume, Honourable Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Barr. Festus Keyamo represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana Mni, governors of various states including the Chief Host, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Chairman of FAAN Board, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi, representatives of other aviation agencies, and members of National Assembly amongst other.
Mrs. Kuku noted that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) affirms that “for every dollar invested in aviation, nearly four dollars is generated through a broader economic growth.” She reiterated that no other sector can match this compelling multiplier.
Emphasising the Authority’s constant push for transformation, the MD pointed out FAAN’s six strategic pillars which include: “Customer-centeric service delivery, Operational excellence and innovation, Effective governance and workforce excellence, Airport viability infrastructure, Modernization and expansion and Safety and security.” According to Mrs. Kuku , these strategies have yielded notable results including: “Training of 7,320 out of over 10,000 FAAN staff and their accreditation by ICAO-Certified Training schools, partnership with the ATOM Aviation Training School in Dubai, improvement in service quality and upgrade to State-of-the-art screening machines at International airports.”
Additionally, she noted that FAAN has “initiated the process of obtaining its ISO certification which aims to enhance the Authority’s international rating and restore global confidence.”
The FAAN MD called on both local and international investors to take their chances while noting the key areas where collaboration is needed. She said, “we are offering investment in infrastructure, the gap between our current capacity and projected demand is your opportunity in terminal modernization, cargo facilities and airport cities.” She also noted that the authority needs “partnership in operations, management, ground handling and logistics” to enhance efficiency.