Olubunmi Kuku's FAAN: How Nigeria Achieved Four International Airport Certifications

Since late 2023, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku has led the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Her tenure marks a decisive shift. It moved from reactive management to proactive transformation. The goal is to modernize the Nigerian aviation transformation.

FAAN faced many challenges. These included old infrastructure and financial issues. Mrs. Kuku's leadership focused on disciplined execution. This strategy aims to stabilize and elevate the entire airport network.

Safety and Global Compliance

Safety compliance was a top priority. FAAN worked closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This effort focused on meeting ICAO standards.

This collaboration yielded a major milestone. The NCAA recertified two major hubs in November 2024. These were Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

This recertification was a significant step. It was the first renewal since 2020. FAAN closed 136 gaps for MMIA and 29 for NAIA to achieve this.

Later, in December 2025, two more were certified. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and Port Harcourt International Airport received certification. This brought the total to four certified international gateways. This is an unprecedented safety achievement for the country.

Infrastructure and Operational Overhaul

Kuku's administration prioritized high-impact capital projects. The goal was to restore operational integrity. One key project was the MMIA runway rehabilitation. FAAN completed the long-delayed work on Runway 18R/36L. This included replacing critical airfield lighting systems. This restored full 24-hour operations at the hub.

The MMIA Rehabilitation and Expansion Project is ongoing. It represents a substantial investment. It will modernize the terminal architecture. It will also integrate advanced passenger processing systems.

FAAN infrastructure upgrades extended nationwide. New airfield lighting systems were installed in Enugu and Ilorin. Power and HVAC systems were upgraded in Kano, Katsina, and Jos. This ensures operational reliability across the network.

Security also saw a major technology boost. FAAN deployed Smiths Detection screening systems. These include automated tray return mechanisms. Extensive CCTV upgrades and new digital radios were also implemented. This enhanced situational awareness and response capability. The efforts showed strong performance in recent ICAO and TSA audits.

Financial and Human Capital Reforms

A cornerstone of the reform agenda is FAAN financial sustainability. The Authority implemented a Regularisation Policy. This targeted encroached airport lands. Aggressive recovery of legacy debts also occurred. This significantly improved FAAN's revenue position.

In 2024, FAAN remitted over N112 billion from its Internally Generated Revenue. This demonstrated fiscal responsibility. Digital transformation aids this effort. FAAN adopted Microsoft Business Central ERP. This streamlines financial workflows and enhances transparency.

Workforce development is also a key focus. The administration implemented the revised national wage structure. It also cleared outstanding staff arrears up to March 2025. Over 6,800 employees received targeted training. This aligns with the FAAN 2025 Performance Roadmap.

Elevating Nigeria's Global Role

Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku FAAN leadership has expanded its international footprint. She was nominated as a Regional Advisor for Africa. This is on the Airport Council International (ACI) World Governing Board. This role strengthens Nigeria's voice on global aviation policy.

Strategic partnerships are also repositioning airports. Collaborations with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council are making airports multimodal trade enablers. Her advocacy helped attract West Africa’s first aircraft MRO facility. Abuja and Akure are designated as host locations.

Passenger-centric reforms redefined service delivery. FAAN introduced 'Operation AirClean' to combat touting. It also enhanced support for passengers with reduced mobility. This includes dedicated hotlines and trained assistance staff.

Mrs. Kuku's approach is anchored in strategic foresight. It combines disciplined execution and stakeholder collaboration. This has delivered tangible outcomes quickly. The focus now is institutionalizing these reforms. The goal is transforming Nigeria's airports into globally competitive hubs of connectivity and commerce, meeting ICAO standards.

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