Year 2025 Airfield Assessment Shows Good Performance By FAAN
Following the joint apron safety workshop, Nigerian airports, mostly those operated by FAAN, have demonstrated significant operational improvements in airfield activities and apron management.
This was contained in a communique by the Marshaller Consultative Forum at the conclusion of the 1st National Joint Apron Safety workshop.
The report, presented by Mr. Fortune Idu, the convener of the workshop and a member of the forum, outlined improvements in safety in apron operations when comparing 2025 with previous years noting that clear improvement was recorded, as evidenced by the passing of the NCAA safety audit and certification processes at the Port Harcourt International Airport and other airports.
Fortune Idu, on behalf of the members of the Aircraft Marshal Consultative Forum, commended the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for the improvements saying that Kuku has significantly reduced unnecessary crowding on the apron by ensuring the airport manager complies with the rules and standard apron procedures, and she has also enhanced the welfare of marshallers by providing eye checks, regular training, and necessary tools.
Speaking at a two-day first apron safety operations workshop organized by FCI International at the NIGAV Expo Event Centre, the leader of the FAAN delegation to the workshop, General Manager of Operations, FAAN, Mrs. Joke Olatunji, described FAAN as a safety-conscious organization with a Managing Director who has integrated safety as a core brand that must be maintained to attract customers.
According to her, the role of airfield operators remains critical and key, adding that there will be no operations when the airside is not safe. “Safe airside will give a good flying experience.” She commended Mr. Fortune Idu for organizing the workshop for all airfield operators, which was attended by government and private organizations, as well as all stakeholders in the airfield.
She acknowledged that since the formation of the Marshaller Consultative Forum, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubumi Kuku, has taken the Marshaller’s report very seriously in improving apron safety. She has encouraged adherence to SOPs and urged all participants and stakeholders to report any safety infringements in the airside without hesitation, as FAAN is responsive to complaints and works to close gaps where they exist.
