The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, on Monday set a bold and optimistic tone for the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry as she declared open the 2025 FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC) at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
With the theme “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership & Global Engagements,” this year’s conference assembled a distinguished audience comprising policy leaders, international aviation experts, captains of industry, state governors, legislators, development partners, and investors seeking to understand Nigeria’s evolving aviation landscape.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni. Several governors, heads of aviation agencies, and key stakeholders also graced the opening ceremony.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs Kuku described the timing of FNAC 2025 as strategic, citing global data that shows aviation is not only recovering but entering a period of unprecedented expansion.
She noted that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects global passenger traffic to reach 4.99 billion in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, while Airports Council International anticipates passenger numbers will rise to 9.7 billion by 2040.
“Africa will drive a significant share of that growth,” she stated. “At the heart of this trajectory lies Nigeria – a nation brimming with potential, ambition, and opportunity.”
Mrs Kuku acknowledged the real challenges confronting Nigeria’s aviation sector, including infrastructure deficits, foreign exchange constraints, and the urgent need for modernisation. However, she urged investors to view these not as hindrances but as compelling investment prospects.
“Every infrastructure gap represents a clearly defined opportunity for transformative returns,” she said. “ICAO confirms that for every dollar invested in aviation, nearly four dollars are generated in economic impact. That is a multiplier few industries can offer.”
She highlighted ongoing Federal Government investments in six airports and several runways, describing them as foundational steps in preparing the sector for large-scale private capital inflows.
Kuku emphasised that FAAN is already executing a comprehensive transformation strategy built on six pillars: customer-focused service delivery, operational excellence, effective governance, workforce development, infrastructural modernisation, and enhanced safety and security.
She disclosed that FAAN’s Training School, accredited by ICAO, had trained 7,320 personnel in two years – a record achievement. Strategic partnerships, such as the Memorandum of Understanding signed with ATOM Aviation Training Services in Dubai, have broadened FAAN’s capacity to adopt global best practices.
In addition, the agency has rolled out a Culture Change Programme that has reshaped the attitude and performance of 4,000 staff, yielding noticeable improvements in passenger experience.
Airports across the country have been equipped with advanced screening systems, and FAAN is piloting biometric solutions to pave the way for full automation of airport processes, including check-in, boarding, and parking.
To strengthen operational credibility, FAAN has begun the process of securing ISO certification from the International Organisation for Standardisation, a move Mrs Kuku said would significantly boost investor confidence and international ratings.
“In summary, FAAN is ready – ready to build, ready to partner, and ready to grow,” she affirmed.
Mrs Kuku outlined clear investment pathways available to local and international investors. These include the development and expansion of terminals, construction of cargo facilities, creation of airport cities, and partnerships in ground handling, logistics, and airport management.
She also highlighted opportunities in digital transformation, biometrics, and sustainable aviation technology, urging investors to align with Nigeria’s aspiration to build a modern, resilient aviation ecosystem.
“Nigeria has the fundamentals – the population, the market, the location, and the momentum,” she said. “The question is no longer whether the industry will grow, but who will partner with us to claim the future.”
Mrs Kuku acknowledged the crucial role of aviation labour unions, calling for their cooperation in supporting the next phase of industry transformation. She assured workers that private investments would expand opportunities rather than replace the workforce.
“Private capital will create more advanced systems, new facilities, and ultimately more jobs for Nigerians,” she said. “We must move forward together with trust and shared purpose.”
Describing the conference as “the deal room for Nigeria’s aviation future,” Mrs Kuku said deliberations over the next two days would focus on converting dialogue into action, with regulators, policymakers, financiers, and operators expected to outline concrete steps toward strengthening the sector.
“To our international partners, your presence today signals your belief in our potential. Let us transform that belief into tangible collaboration,” she said.
She urged participants to approach the sessions with boldness, curiosity, and ambition: “See Nigeria not through the lens of past challenges, but through the opportunities waiting to be unlocked.”
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