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FAAN Reaffirms Commitment to Aviation Reform

FAAN Reaffirms Commitment to Aviation Reform
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the country’s aviation sector through enhanced private investment and comprehensive infrastructure renewal. Addressing the 35th Airports Council International (ACI) World Annual General Assembly in Toronto, FAAN Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku highlighted Nigeria’s stabilizing economy as a key driver behind increasing passenger traffic, while also acknowledging ongoing challenges such as inadequate intra-African air connectivity.
Private Investment and Infrastructure Development
Mrs. Kuku stressed that bridging Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure gap necessitates substantial private capital, as government funding alone is insufficient to sustain sector growth. She emphasized the growing interest from investors who recognize the potential of Nigeria’s aviation market, stating, “We can’t depend on government funding alone. The private sector must play a role.” FAAN has already embarked on significant upgrades, including the introduction of electronic gates to facilitate contactless passenger processing and the enforcement of stricter consumer protection regulations in partnership with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
In addition, Nigeria remains a strong supporter of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Kuku underscored that the success of SAATM depends on complementary investments in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services as well as air cargo facilities, which are critical to enhancing regional connectivity and operational efficiency.
Addressing Maintenance Capacity and Capital Renewal
Despite ongoing airport modernization efforts, Nigeria’s limited MRO capacity continues to pose a significant challenge. Kuku pointed out that West Africa lacks facilities capable of performing comprehensive C and D checks, with existing maintenance centers only able to handle lighter A and B checks. Consequently, aircraft requiring heavier maintenance must currently be ferried abroad. FAAN aims to change this by collaborating with investors, state governments, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to develop a sustainable maintenance ecosystem. This initiative is intended to enable local airlines to conduct full-scale maintenance domestically, thereby reducing operational costs and retaining revenue within Nigeria.
FAAN is presently implementing a 22 to 24-month capital renewal programme, financed through a combination of government support and internally generated revenue. Kuku emphasized the capital-intensive nature of aviation infrastructure and reiterated the necessity of private sector collaboration to ensure long-term sustainability.
Navigating Industry Challenges and Future Prospects
FAAN’s reform agenda is unfolding amid broader industry challenges, including geopolitical uncertainties, the imperative of decarbonization, and rapid technological advancements. These factors are reshaping market expectations and increasing pressure on aviation authorities to deliver swift improvements, particularly in air traffic control systems. Meanwhile, competitors are responding with technological innovations and strategic partnerships to address these evolving demands.
Despite these obstacles, Kuku highlighted the expansion of Nigeria’s aviation footprint, citing the growing number of new international routes launched by domestic carriers as evidence of the sector’s readiness for sustained growth. She concluded, “Nigeria is on the verge of major aviation growth. With the right policies, investment climate, and regional cooperation, we can reshape the continent’s air transport future.”

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