BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) welcomed global aviation leaders, policymakers, and investors to the FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC 2025), held at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme: “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership & Global Engagements.”
The conference, officially opened by Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, brought together top government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, and Ministers of Aviation and Trade, among others.
State Governors, legislators, and heads of aviation agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), also attended.
Addressing the audience, Mrs. Kuku emphasised that the conference was a key moment for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“We meet at a pivotal moment for global aviation. 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.
The Airports Council International forecasts a surge to 9.7 billion passengers by 2040, and Africa lies at the center of this next wave of growth. At the heart of this opportunity is Nigeria,” she said.
Mrs. Kuku acknowledged existing challenges but framed them as investment opportunities.
“We are clear about our reality: infrastructure gaps, foreign exchange pressures, and the imperative for modernisation. But 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 Organisation 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?”
She highlighted the government’s active role in modernising aviation infrastructure, noting that six airports and numerous runways are currently undergoing government-funded transformation, calling it a direct investment in the nation’s future.
“Thank you, Mr. President. FAAN’s strategy is anchored on six pillars: Customer-Centric Service Delivery, Operational Excellence and Innovation, Effective Governance and Workforce Excellence, Airport Viability Infrastructure, Modernisation and Expansion, and Safety and Security”, she said.
According to Mrs. Kuku, these pillars have already yielded tangible results. Over the past two years, 7,320 staff members were trained at the ICAO-accredited FAAN Training School.
Strategic partnerships, including an MoU with ATOM Aviation Training Services from Dubai, have strengthened the authority’s operational excellence and expanded opportunities for staff and investors alike.
The Managing Director also highlighted internal reforms. “Our Culture Change program has successfully instilled a new spirit of service in 4,000 employees, significantly improving service quality.
We have upgraded to state-of-the-art screening machines at our flagship international airports and piloted biometric solutions, with plans to move towards full automation covering everything from check-ins to parking.”
She further added that FAAN is pursuing ISO certification to enhance its international rating and restore investor confidence.
She emphasized the critical role of unions and workforce collaboration in driving this growth.
“The private investment we seek is not a replacement for our workforce; it is a 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.”
The conference, she explained, was designed to move beyond dialogue into actionable deals.
“Over the next two days, you will hear from our Ministry on policy, from the NCAA on regulation, and from financiers on ready capital. To our international partners, your presence here is a testament to your confidence in us. Let us convert that confidence into commitment,” she said.
Mrs. Kuku urged participants to view Nigeria as a land of opportunity rather than challenges. “Be bold. Ask the tough questions. See Nigeria not for the challenges of the past, but for the boundless opportunities of the future. Let us build the partnerships that will elevate Nigerian aviation and deliver sustainable returns for all.”
The FNAC 2025 also provided a platform for showcasing Nigeria’s aviation projects, encouraging investors to explore public-private partnerships in airport management, cargo logistics, and technology integration.
Officials emphasized that investments in the sector would not only improve airport operations but also contribute significantly to national economic growth, job creation, and Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s aviation hub.
Analysts attending the conference noted that the blend of government-led infrastructure projects, workforce development, and investor engagement signals a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The strategic focus on safety, technology, and service quality is expected to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global aviation market.
The two-day conference promises to feature panel discussions, investment pitches, and workshops aimed at unlocking capital, sharing best practices, and positioning Nigeria as a premier aviation destination in Africa.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
