BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has been praised for her visionary leadership in driving the agency’s Culture Transformation Agenda, a bold and strategic initiative that is already delivering visible improvements across Nigeria’s airports.
Speaking after the fourth edition of the MD’s Quarterly Award for Excellence, the first for 2025, FAAN’s Director of Special Duties, Mr. Henry Agbebire, commended Mrs. Kuku for institutionalising a culture of recognition and performance-driven leadership. He described the transformation as “a game changer” that is shaping attitudes, improving service delivery, and building a shared sense of purpose among staff.
“We are seeing the fruits of this transformation in real time. There’s increased professionalism among our staff, heightened commitment to duty, and a clear alignment with the values we want to project. The difference is tangible in our terminals, in our teams, and in the feedback from stakeholders”, Agbebire said.
Launched in 2024 under Mrs. Kuku’s leadership, the Culture Transformation Agenda has catalysed a new ethos within FAAN, marked by improved collaboration, a stronger work ethic, and a more customer-focused approach across airport operations.
At the heart of this initiative is the MD’s Quarterly Award for Excellence, which recognises staff who embody FAAN’s values and go above and beyond in service.
The Directorate of Special Duties, under Mr. Agbebire’s leadership, has spearheaded a number of complementary programmes, including the FAAN Acculturation Programme designed to instill excellence and service consciousness in both new and existing employees; the Skyward Shift bulletin, a bi-monthly publication that reinforces desired behaviours and celebrates cultural ambassadors; and the Culture Creed, a unifying statement of values now prominently displayed across FAAN’s facilities.
Feedback from key stakeholders, airlines, passengers, regulators, and concessionaires, has amplified the internal progress.
Reports of more courteous staff, faster response times, and cleaner, more efficient terminals are now becoming routine.
Building on this momentum, Mrs. Kuku has directed that the Culture Transformation campaign be expanded to all 22 FAAN-managed airports.
A structured rollout is scheduled between June and November 2025, featuring hands-on engagement through acculturation workshops, townhalls, and continuous value reinforcement.
“The MD is not just changing policies; she’s changing mindsets,” Mr. Agbebire added.
“And this is what will ultimately reposition FAAN as a leading force in the global aviation space.”
The transformation drive, unprecedented in the history of FAAN, is proving to be more than just an internal morale boost.
It is fast becoming a strategic lever for organisational excellence, setting a new benchmark for public service delivery in the aviation sector and positioning FAAN as a model for airport administration across Africa.
