FAAN MD Reassures Unions On Private Investment In Airports

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku has appealed to aviation unions in Nigeria to collaborate with her organization, stating that private investment is not intended to seek replacement for FAAN workforce but serves as a catalyst for growth.

Speaking at the FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC) 2025 yesterday, Kuku said: “To truly ascend, we need all hands on deck. This is why I make a direct appeal to our valued unions: embrace this new era of collaboration. Your understanding and partnership are the bedrock upon which we will build. The private investment we seek is not a replacement for our workforce. It is the catalyst for its growth. It will create better facilities, more advanced systems, and ultimately, more and better jobs for Nigerians. Let us work together with a shared vision to welcome the capital that will secure our collective future.”

She said “in the past two years, a record 7,320 staff members have been trained by our ICAO-accredited FAAN Training School. Groundbreaking partnerships, including our Memorandum of Understanding with ATOM Aviation Training Services from Dubai, have significantly enhanced our journey towards global excellence. These collaborations not only open doors to new opportunities but also fill us with optimism for the future.

Our Culture Change programme has successfully instilled a new spirit of service in 4,000 employees, thereby significantly improving our service quality. We have upgraded to state-of-the-art screening machines at our flagship international airports and have piloted biometric solutions, with plans to move towards full automation, covering everything from check-ins to parking.

Additionally, we have initiated the vital process of obtaining ISO certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for FAAN. This strategic move aims to enhance our international rating and restore investors’ confidence.”

Urging investors to take advantage of the conference, Kuku said FAAN is offering opportunities for investment in Infrastructure as the gap between current capacity and projected demand is an opportunity in terminal modernization, cargo facilities, and airport cities; partnership in operations as FAAN seeks global expertise in management, ground handling, and logistics and partners to enhance efficiency and share in the profitability of a growing market; global engagement in technology ranging from biometrics to sustainable solutions and investment in the future of African travel with FAAN.

She said the fundamentals are undeniable with Nigeria as Africa’s largest population, a growing economy, and a strategic geographic position. “The demand is here. Growth is inevitable. The only question is, who will have the foresight to be in the cockpit with us?

This conference is our deal room for the future. Over the next two days, we will move from dialogue to deals. You will hear from our Ministry on policy, from the NCAA on regulation, and from financiers on ready capital.”

Highlighting the status of global air travel, she said “the industry is not just recovering. It is soaring to new heights. According to IATA, global passenger traffic is set to reach a historic 4.99 billion this year, decisively surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

But look further ahead. The Airports Council International forecasts a surge to 9.7 billion passengers by 2040. And where is the centre of this next wave of growth? Africa. This is not just a statistic. It is a signal; a signal of billions of journeys, connections, and opportunities waiting to be unlocked. At the heart of this opportunity lies Nigeria.

Now, let us speak candidly about Nigeria. We are clear about our reality: infrastructure gaps, foreign exchange pressures, and the imperative for modernization.

But today, I ask you to see what we see. These are not merely obstacles; they are Nigeria’s unparalleled investment portfolio. Every “gap” is a clearly marked space for transformative returns. The International Civil Aviation Organization affirms that for every dollar invested in aviation, nearly four dollars are generated in broader economic growth. Where else can you find such a compelling multiplier?

And we are not starting from scratch. Under the visionary leadership of the Federal Government, we have laid a robust foundation. As we speak, six (6) airports and numerous runways are undergoing a government-funded transformation. This is a direct investment in our shared future.”

She also noted that FAAN has built a “strategy on six (6) strategic pillars: Customer-Centric Service Delivery, Operational Excellence and Innovation, Effective Governance and Workforce Excellence, Airport Viability Infrastructure, Modernization and Expansion, and Safety and Security. And our commitment is already yielding results.”

Theme of the two day conference is “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership & Global Engagements.”