The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has reiterated the need for private sector involvement in Nigeria’s airport operations while spotlighting urgent reforms in staff welfare, infrastructure, and revenue collection across the aviation sector.
Kuku made these remarks during a stakeholder engagement in Abuja, stressing that the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Aviation and President Bola Tinubu, were aligned in their commitment to ensure transparency in the concession of Nigerian airports.
“We need private sector participation. But I also agree that there has to be transparency in the process,” she said. “The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has assured that no concession deal will proceed until all stakeholder concerns are fully addressed.”
Kuku confirmed that the government would approach the airport concession process with realism, taking into account challenges previously raised by aviation unions and industry players. The MD stated that both the Minister and the Presidency were receptive to feedback and fully committed to openness.
She revealed that she and the Aviation Minister had deliberated on lingering issues surrounding the concession plan, with the Minister reportedly pledging not to advance the process until those issues are resolved. “He said very clearly, ‘I will not move forward until all of those issues have been addressed,’” Kuku stated.
Turning her attention to internal reforms, Kuku disclosed that the conditions of service for FAAN staff were currently under review and would soon be submitted to the Ministry for ratification. She acknowledged delays but emphasized her desire to fully understand the policies before formal submission.
On infrastructure, the FAAN boss painted a grim picture of airport medical facilities, calling them “deplorable” and in urgent need of transformation. “It is totally unacceptable for what we’re running today,” she said, revealing that a turnaround plan had already been proposed and was under active review.
Efforts are underway to refurbish and repurpose incomplete hospital structures across airport zones to create specialized medical centers. Kuku also disclosed plans to partner with reputable hospitals to improve healthcare services for aviation staff.
The FAAN MD further lamented poor staff housing and logistics. According to her, many airport locations lack operational vehicles, and some staff quarters—particularly in Benin City—are in disrepair. “I’ve seen leaking roofs with buckets underneath,” she said, affirming that a comprehensive audit of quarters across all airports was in progress.
Addressing employment irregularities, Kuku condemned the unauthorized recruitment of casual workers. “We must stop the bleeding,” she said, noting that many outstations continue to engage casual staff without due approval.
On staff discipline, she shared an example involving employees in Abuja who disregarded authority and were defended by powerful figures. “I received calls from senators, from the Villa, but I stood my ground,” she said. “They must report to work, or they won’t be retained.”
Perhaps the most damning revelation came on the issue of revenue losses. Kuku admitted that FAAN is hemorrhaging revenue due to corruption and outdated systems. “We have staff who collect cash for landing charges and pocket it. Planes land and people run to collect dollars in cash—this must stop,” she asserted.
She emphasized that the agency was initiating a broad automation drive to plug leakages and eliminate manual cash handling in commercial operations.
The FAAN chief also spoke on cargo development, citing it as a critical growth area that needs structured investment. While acknowledging the efforts of the Director of Cargo, Kuku noted that much more support is required to attract and retain investors. “Nobody will invest if they don’t know what they are getting back,” she stated, calling for clearer incentives and roadmaps for cargo operators.
Mrs. Kuku’s candid address signals a reformist posture by FAAN’s leadership, aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure through transparency, staff-centric policies, and enhanced private sector collaboration. As Nigeria grapples with underperforming airport assets and fiscal leakages, the coming months will reveal whether the pledges translate into long-awaited transformation.