BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has officially commenced her tenure as the Regional Adviser for Africa on the Airports Council International (ACI) World Governing Board.
She marked this milestone by participating in her first board meeting in Milan, Italy, on March 27, 2025. Her nomination, confirmed during the ACI Africa Conference in Johannesburg in September 2024, underscores Nigeria’s rising influence in global aviation.
Welcoming Mrs. Kuku to the board, Mrs. Candice McGraw, Chair of the ACI World Governing Board, emphasized Africa’s growing prominence in the international aviation landscape and commended Nigeria’s role in fostering regional development.
The high-level meeting convened prominent aviation leaders, including Mr. Ali Tounsi, Secretary General of ACI Africa, Mr. Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World, and other distinguished board members from around the world.
Mrs. Kuku’s appointment is a testament to FAAN’s expanding role in shaping global aviation policies while amplifying Africa’s voice in critical industry discussions.
The ACI World Governing Board, comprising 28 CEOs from regional boards, is instrumental in setting the strategic direction for the global airport industry, with a strong focus on capacity building, sustainable development, and operational excellence.
Key deliberations at the Milan session centered on the future of global aviation, covering sustainability goals, carbon emission reduction strategies, airport carbon accreditation, and the reinforcement of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks.
Special attention was devoted to Africa’s aviation development, with several groundbreaking initiatives presented to enhance airport management, certification, and operational efficiency across the continent.
Among these initiatives was the African Airport Certification Assistance Program, designed to help airports attain international certification standards through structured support.
Additionally, the ACI Africa Airport Development Program was highlighted as a flagship initiative dedicated to improving airport operations, management, and knowledge-sharing.
The meeting also reinforced the importance of training and capacity development, with an emphasis on specialized classroom and online courses, financial assistance for aviation professionals, and targeted technical and operational support to strengthen regulatory compliance and safety measures.
The session further underscored the significance of collaboration between African airports, ACI Africa, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to accelerate progress across the region.
Key cooperative frameworks were discussed to enhance certification efforts, establish performance benchmarks, and provide greater institutional support to help African airports achieve operational excellence and regulatory compliance.
Mrs. Kuku’s inclusion on the ACI World Governing Board marks a pivotal moment for FAAN and Nigeria’s aviation sector.
As Regional Adviser for Africa, she is poised to drive impactful policies that will not only elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry but also contribute significantly to the sustainable advancement of air transport across the African continent.
