BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reiterated its commitment to safety, collaboration, and the professional well-being of everyone within Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
Speaking at a media briefing, the FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, stated that safety does not depend solely on technology, emphasizing that human factors such as communication, trust, and teamwork play a crucial role.
Her words: “Where conflict arises, safety can be jeopardised. That is why this year, we have chosen to focus not just on compliance but on raising awareness about the importance of cultivating emotional intelligence, conflict management skills, and a culture of respect across all levels of the industry. This is vital if we are to uphold the safety of passengers, stakeholders, and staff.”
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As part of this year’s Safety Initiative Week, FAAN aims to enhance how aviation professionals manage disagreements, stress, and diverse opinions—especially in high-stakes environments where clear communication can make a critical difference.
“We acknowledge some of the unfortunate incidents that have occurred at our terminals recently. By equipping our workforce with the necessary tools to de-escalate tensions and foster understanding, we are actively building a safer and more resilient industry,” the FAAN boss noted.
Mrs. Kuku further explained that this effort aligns with global best practices and FAAN’s vision of excellence and accountability, as it aspires to be among the world’s leading airport groups. She added that this would be achieved by providing safe, secure, and efficient airport facilities and services, transforming the airports into dynamic, customer-centred hubs that showcase Nigerian culture, leverage technology, and foster partnerships to enhance infrastructure and operational excellence.
“This reinforces the belief that every voice in aviation matters—from passengers to cabin crew, from air traffic controllers to engineers, and all the way to management—each contributes to the integrity and safety of our industry,” she said.
Following the briefing, a robust interactive session on the operations and practices of Safety Management Systems (SMS) was held with the Directors, aimed at keeping the FAAN Management Team abreast of international best practices in aviation safety.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
