By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
Since assuming leadership of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in late 2023, Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku has steered the Authority through one of the most consequential periods in its history.
Confronted with legacy infrastructure deficits, systemic revenue leakages, operational inefficiencies, and declining passenger confidence, FAAN embarked on a reform trajectory reflecting a shift from reactive management to structured transformation.
Two years into this leadership phase, FAAN is showing signs of operational stabilisation and renewed institutional direction anchored on a combination of experienced board oversight and execution-focused management.
Strategic Board Oversight
At the apex of FAAN’s governance structure is His Excellency Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairperson of the FAAN Board. His role has been strategic, providing policy guidance, institutional balance, and oversight at a time when the aviation sector required steady leadership and reform continuity.
Dr. Ganduje’s board leadership ensures FAAN’s reforms align with national aviation policies, fiscal discipline, and international compliance standards, creating an enabling environment for management to implement operational reforms effectively.
Infrastructure and Operational Renewal
FAAN’s reform agenda has prioritised high-impact capital projects aimed at restoring operational integrity across major airports. Notable milestones include the rehabilitation of Runway 18R/36L and Taxiway B at MMIA, Lagos, expansion of the Domestic Terminal, and commissioning of premium lounges all enhancing passenger flow and comfort. The ongoing MMIA Rehabilitation and Expansion Project represents a record investment in Nigerian aviation infrastructure, integrating advanced terminal systems and airside upgrades.
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Upgrades extend nationwide, with new airfield lighting systems at Enugu and Ilorin, domestic terminal expansion in Minna, and power and HVAC improvements at Kano, Katsina, and Jos. These interventions signal a shift from cosmetic refurbishments to comprehensive operational resilience.
Human Capital: People at the Centre of Transformation
Beyond infrastructure, FAAN has made human capacity development a core pillar of its strategy. Over the past two years, more than 3,000 employees have been trained and certified in aviation security, firefighting, airport operations, and engineering.
Leadership development initiatives, such as the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programme (AMPAP) and ICAO’s TrainAirPlus program, have upskilled FAAN personnel, aligning workforce capabilities with international standards.
Training initiatives have also been complemented by global exposure through partnerships with institutions like the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) and ATOM Training Services, Dubai. The impact is measurable: enhanced staff morale, improved risk management, and increased readiness for upcoming ICAO audits, positioning Nigeria’s airports to meet 21st-century operational demands.
Security, Safety, and Compliance
FAAN has adopted a technology-driven security architecture, integrating Smiths Detection systems, extensive CCTV networks, and digital radios, improving situational awareness and emergency response. Recent aerodrome recertifications at Mallam Aminu Kano, and Port Harcourt International Airports reflect these reforms, with FAAN achieving four fully certified international gateways for the first time.
Financial and Digital Transformation
Financial sustainability has been strengthened through legacy debt recovery, implementation of the Regularisation Policy, and adoption of Microsoft Business Central ERP, improving transparency and real-time performance monitoring. These measures align with board-level oversight and executive accountability.
Passenger-Centric Services
Passenger experience reforms include lounge refurbishments, mother-and-child facilities, dedicated support for passengers with reduced mobility, and simplified complaint resolution mechanisms embedding a passenger-first ethos in daily operations.
Green Mobility and Sustainable Aviation
In a landmark initiative, FAAN introduced zero-emission electric transit services at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in partnership with Possible Electric Mobility and Zeut Energies. The project, commissioned by Dr. Ganduje alongside Mrs. Kuku, deployed electric buses and sedans to provide seamless mobility for passengers and staff while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The initiative forms part of broader sustainability measures, including energy-efficient lighting, solar-powered terminal illumination, and improved waste recycling processes. FAAN’s commitment to gradual transition to green energy solutions underscores its focus on environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and alignment with global best practices in airport operations.
Global Engagement and Strategic Partnerships
FAAN’s international footprint has expanded through partnerships with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and hosting of the third FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC), which brought state governors, investors, and international aviation experts together. Nigeria is increasingly positioned as a hub for continental aviation discourse, thanks in part to Olubunmi Kuku’s role as Vice President of Airports Council International (ACI) Africa.
Consolidating Transformation Through Governance Synergy
The ongoing transformation of FAAN demonstrates the importance of synergy between strategic board oversight and executive management. Under the board chairmanship of Dr. Ganduje and the leadership of Olubunmi Kuku, FAAN is navigating reforms with a balance of continuity, professionalism, and operational excellence.
As the Authority enters its next phase, institutionalising reforms, sustaining service quality, advancing sustainability, and strengthening public communication remain central. With current momentum, Nigeria’s airports are poised to become globally competitive hubs of connectivity, safety, and economic growth.