BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has reiterated her administration’s strong focus on staff welfare, capacity building, and business development, which she described as the bedrock of sustainable growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Mrs Kuku made the remarks on Monday, June 16, 2025, during her opening address at the Biennial FAAN Joint Trade Unions Conference 2025, held at the Abdurahaman Danbazau Conference Centre, COCOS Hotel, Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Road, Abuja.
Calling on stakeholders to deepen investment in project development, Mrs Kuku stressed the importance of building investor confidence through robust project design.
“We need to prioritise investment in project development that enhances bankability and attracts investors,” she said.
“This begins with comprehensive market studies, feasibility assessments, and strong business cases to ensure long-term viability and growth.”
Highlighting the critical role of cargo operations in the sector’s future, Mrs Kuku noted that “investment requires clear returns supported by comprehensive data.”
She explained that while FAAN has established a Directorate of Cargo Development and Services, there is still a need for additional support and data-driven studies to fully unlock the sector’s potential.
Turning to staff welfare, Mrs Kuku reaffirmed her commitment to improving working conditions across FAAN.
“The newly negotiated conditions of service, developed with the active participation of our unions, are now ready for submission to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development,” she announced.
She further revealed ongoing efforts to expand staff training and international travel opportunities, ensuring broader access for employees.
On medical services, Mrs Kuku acknowledged existing gaps and disclosed that FAAN is exploring partnerships to improve healthcare access for its workforce. Plans are also underway to procure new operational vehicles for airports and renovate staff quarters to enhance living conditions.
In the area of airport management, she underscored the importance of deploying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive efficiency, accountability, and improved service delivery across airports and departments.
Expressing appreciation to aviation unions—including NUATE, ATSSSAN, and ANAP—for their cooperation, Mrs Kuku urged delegates to make strategic use of the conference to chart a progressive path for the industry.
“This conference serves as a pivotal platform to address our concerns. By championing just culture, which promotes fairness and accountability in safety practices, and just transition, which supports equitable shifts toward sustainable aviation, stakeholders can collectively drive meaningful change,” she said.
Reaffirming FAAN’s open-door policy, Mrs Kuku assured union members that management remains committed to constructive dialogue and practical solutions.
“I urge you, dear union delegates, to utilise this conference to strategise with foresight, engage with purpose, and emerge with resolutions that reflect both the aspirations of your members and the realities of our shared environment. Let us work together to protect jobs, enhance conditions of service, and strengthen the sector, not through conflict, but through cooperation,” she stated.
