The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has told global investors and aviation stakeholders that Nigeria is fully prepared to become the new epicentre of African aviation growth, declaring emphatically: “In a nutshell, FAAN is ready!”
Speaking at the official opening of the FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC 2025) on Monday at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Mrs Kuku said the country’s acknowledged infrastructure gaps and foreign exchange challenges should be seen not as obstacles but as “Nigeria’s unparalleled investment portfolio.”
Delivering the welcome address under the conference theme “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership & Global Engagements,” the FAAN boss highlighted global forecasts showing passenger traffic reaching 4.99 billion this year and projected to hit 9.7 billion by 2040, with Africa — and Nigeria in particular — at the heart of the next growth wave.
She cited the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s finding that every dollar invested in aviation generates nearly four dollars in broader economic growth, describing it as one of the most compelling investment multipliers available anywhere.
Mrs Kuku praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume) for the ongoing government-funded transformation of six airports and numerous runways across the country.
Outlining FAAN’s achievements in the past two years, she revealed:
A record 7,320 staff trained by FAAN’s ICAO-accredited Training School
A landmark partnership with Dubai-based ATOM Aviation Training Services
A Culture Change programme that has transformed service delivery among 4,000 employees
Deployment of state-of-the-art screening machines at international gateways
Pilot biometric solutions with plans for full automation from check-in to parking
Commencement of ISO certification process to boost international ratings and investor confidence
The FAAN MD presented three clear investment pathways to the packed audience:
Infrastructure investment in terminal modernisation, cargo facilities, and airport cities
Operational partnerships in management, ground handling, and logistics
Technology and sustainability collaborations, especially in biometrics and green aviation solutions
In a direct appeal to aviation unions present, Mrs Kuku urged them to embrace collaboration, stressing that private investment “is not a replacement for our workforce; it is the catalyst for its growth,” and would lead to better facilities, advanced systems, and more quality jobs for Nigerians.
The conference was attended by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo SAN (represented by Permanent Secretary Dr Emmanuel Meribole), the Minister of Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole, five state governors, chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Aviation, heads of all aviation agencies, members of the FAAN Board led by Chairman H.E. Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, international partners, investors, and exhibitors.
Mrs Kuku concluded by challenging participants to turn the two-day conference into “our deal room for the future,” urging bold questions and decisive commitments that will elevate Nigerian aviation to global standards.
FNAC 2025 continues tomorrow with policy presentations from the Ministry of Aviation, regulatory updates from the NCAA, and funding options from international financiers.
Reported by Clarion Newsteam, Eko Convention Centre, Lagos
