FAAN Aims To Capture Greater Value Across Aviation Value Chain

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku says “we are expanding beyond passenger traffic into cargo and logistics. By developing modern cargo terminals and cold-chain systems, and by positioning Nigeria as a hub for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul services, we aim to capture greater value across the aviation value chain.”

This is one of the eight key pillars on which FAAN’s strategy to achieve the emergence of Nigeria as a leading aviation hub on the continent is built.

Delivering her speech at the Quarter1 Business Breakfast Meeting of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), held in Lagos under the theme “Building MMIA Into A Safe & Economically Viable Hub, Kuku said “with sustained investment, disciplined execution, and strong collaboration between government and industry stakeholders, Nigeria can position itself as the gateway to Africa.”

Other pillars are the development of dual hub airports anchored on Murtala Muhammed International Airport(MMIA) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport(NAIA) in Abuja, with Lagos serving as primary commercial gateway, handling the bulk of international passenger and cargo traffic and Abuja complementing this as a political and administrative hub with increasing capacity for international connectivity.

There is the prioritization of infrastructure modernization, including terminals upgrade, runway capacity improvement, and deployment of advanced air traffic management systems via the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Project, recognition of safety and regulatory compliance, making Nigeria a natural transit point for passengers travelling within Africa and beyond by improving connectivity and enhancing the passenger experience, from streamlined check-in and immigration processes to improved transit facilities and commercial offerings for efficient and globally competitive airport.

The seventh and eight pillars she highlighted are creating an environment that attracts both local and international investment into the aviation sector and supporting the emergence of two Nigerian airlines to grow into National Flag Carriers that can drive passenger and cargo traffic through Nigeria’s airports.

By strengthening partnerships and optimizing route networks, these carriers will play a central role in our hub ecosystem.

Kuku said “Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its aviation journey. With one of the largest populations in Africa, a strategic geographic location between West and Central Africa, and a growing demand for air travel, our nation is uniquely positioned to emerge as a leading aviation hub on the continent.”