Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN Olubunmi Kuku says the agency needs about 580 billion naira for the Rehabilitation of Airport Runways across the country
Kuku who made this known today at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport lagos during a tour of facilities with the newly appiontment Permanent Secretary ministry of Aviation Ibrahim Kana noted that the airport Runways were built in the 70s and have been overused.
She stated that “N580 billion is required to fix Runways across all airports, their life span is between 20 to 25 years, as most of the airports were built in 1978”
Kuku also said “Many of FAAN’s facilities including terminals and Runways, are aging and in need of significant repairs and upgrades. This affects operational efficiency and safety, and necessitates substantial investment for modernization. Also, despite efforts to enhance security at Airports, FAAN continues to face challenges in managing security risks, particularly with the increase in air travel and the potential for terrorist activities or other threats at key airport locations. On land Encroachment, due to lack of perimeter fence, the Authority landmass is constantly being encroached all over the country.”
She stressed that Obsolete equipment such as old fire tenders, generators, Air conditioning systems, conveyor lines with worn out slats, belts and motors can be found in many airports that have low efficiency and have high maintenance cost.
Kuku disclosed that FAAN plans to modernize Airport infrastructure by renovating terminals, expanding Runways and upgrading Navigational aids, adding that in 2025 the construction of a new and befitting headquarters for FAAN will also be top priority, to provide a centralised and modern facility to enhance operational efficiency, as priority will be given to improving critical facilities at major international Airports and enhancing regional airport capacity to meet growing passenger and cargo demands
She disclosed that FAAN plans to increase its revenue for 2025 by adopting innovative strategies to increase non-aeronautical revenue streams, such as commercial concessions, advertising, real estate development and cargo operations.
Kuku also revealed that N128.7billion was remitted into the federation account in 2024, adding that reduction in revenue leakages in 2024 led to about 93% in Net inflow as compared to 2023.
The FAAN boss disclosed that to ensure compliance with global standards, FAAN will invest in state of the art security systems, including biometric screening and advanced surveillance technologies.
Kuku stated that Staff training on aviation security and safety procedures will be intensified to address emerging challenges and risks in the industry as FAAN will upgrade and maintain e-procurement systems to reduce technical downtime, as FAAN plans to align its goals with National Aviation policies and international standards.
