The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku has stated that the
Authority fully aligned with the policy direction of the Federal Government to modernise and expand aviation infrastructure and strengthen safety, security and regulatory compliance.
Speaking at the Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit in
Lagos on Thursday, Kuku stated that Nigeria is one of the most compelling aviation markets on the African continent
which is naturally positioned as a hub for West and Central Africa, with the potential to connect Africa to the rest of the world more efficiently.
She noted that FAAN support the government policy to attract private capital and expertise through fair and transparent processes and support Nigerian airlines in their fleet renewal and expansion plans.
She stated that: “We recognise that aircraft acquisition is capital-intensive and long-term in nature. That is why the broader ecosystem – airports, air navigation services, regulatory agencies, security and facilitation systems – must be predictable, efficient and investor-friendly.”
Kuku noted that as FAAN, they are repositioning their airports to be credible, profitable and sustainable platforms where capital can be deployed with confidence and clear visibility on returns.
FAAN boss pointed out Nigeria’s aviation market is fundamentally strong while demand for air travel and air cargo is real, resilient and rising.
She said government and agencies are committed to reforms and partnerships that make this sector more investable – from infrastructure upgrades to process efficiency and improved governance.
Kuku emphasised that this is the right time to position for the next phase of growth in Nigerian aviation – whether as an operator, a financier, a lessor, or an infrastructure investor.
Kuku said the industry will continue to see reforms ranging from digitalisation of processes at nation’s airports, to improved coordination with sister agencies, to a stronger focus on quality service delivery and cost efficiency.
FAAN MD maintained that they are working to ensure that runways, taxiways, aprons and terminal facilities at its key airports support the operations of modern fleets and increased traffic.
She stated that planned and ongoing upgrades are being executed with an eye on efficiency, safety and international best practices.
On process efficiency and ease of doing business she explained that FAAN is simplifying processes, strengthening coordination among agencies at the airports, and deploying more technology to reduce bottlenecks and improve turnaround times.
Kuku said FAAN are committed to charges and fees that are transparent, predictable and justifiable, while ensuring that safety and service standards are not compromised.
According to her, the goal is a framework where both the authority and the airlines can plan with clarity.
In the area of safety, security and compliance Kuku noted that safety and security are the backbone of investor confidence in aviation, stressing that they are continually tightening its systems, enhancing staff capacity, and investing in modern equipment to meet and exceed international standards.
She said FAAN welcomes stronger collaboration with local and international banks, leasing companies, export credit agencies and development finance institutions, adding that her doors are open to structure innovative solutions that align infrastructure development with fleet expansion by operators.
She maintained that platforms like this summit help the authority to align expectations, identify gaps, and design solutions that are practical, bankable and sustainable.
She said FAAN does not see investors, airlines or financiers as counterparties to be managed, but as partners to be engaged.
She stated that FAAN is committed to: continuous dialogue with operators and investors; refining thei frameworks in response to credible feedback; and championing collaboration across government agencies to support the sector.
