How Olubunmi Kuku is Engineering New Era in Nigerian aviation

Since assuming leadership of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in late 2023, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku has steered the Authority through one of the most consequential periods in its history. Confronted with legacy infrastructure deficits, systemic revenue leakages, operational bottlenecks, and eroding passenger confidence, Kuku’s tenure has marked a decisive pivot from reactive management to proactive transformation. Two years on, FAAN is not only stabilised—it is ascending.

Kuku’s administration has been overhauling infrastructure and operations strategically through execution of high-impact capital projects aimed at restoring operational integrity and elevating service delivery. Within her first quarter, FAAN completed the long-delayed rehabilitation of Runway 18R/36L and Taxiway B at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos—restoring full 24-hour operations through the replacement of critical airfield lighting systems. This was followed by the expansion of the Domestic Terminal (formerly GAT) and the commissioning of premium lounges, which significantly decongested passenger flow and enhanced comfort.

The MMIA Rehabilitation and Expansion Project, currently underway, represents the most substantial single investment in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure. Backed by the Federal Government, the project will modernise terminal architecture, integrate advanced passenger processing systems, and upgrade airside facilities—positioning MMIA as a regional hub of international repute.

Through nationwide modernisation and operational resilience, Olubunmi has extended across the network FAAN’s infrastructural momentum. New airfield lighting systems have been installed at Enugu and Ilorin, while the domestic terminal in Minna has been commissioned. Power and HVAC system upgrades in Kano, Katsina, and Jos reflect a strategic shift from cosmetic refurbishments to a more comprehensive asset renewal, ensuring operational reliability and scalability amid rising traffic volumes.

On Security and Safety, A Technology-Driven Paradigm
Under Kuku’s leadership, FAAN has embraced a security architecture anchored in global best practices. The deployment of Smiths Detection screening systems with automated tray return mechanisms, coupled with extensive CCTV upgrades and the distribution of over 3,000 digital radios, has significantly enhanced situational awareness and response capability. These investments have yielded measurable improvements, as evidenced by strong performance in recent ICAO and TSA audits.

The establishment of integrated access control systems and centralised emergency operations centres has reduced passenger screening times by up to 80% during peak periods. Following the aerodrome recertification of MMIA and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in 2024, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recently certified Mallam Aminu Kano and Port Harcourt International Airports—bringing the total to four certified international gateways, an unprecedented milestone in Nigeria’s aviation history.

On financial reengineering and digital transformation, a cornerstone of Kuku’s reform agenda is financial sustainability. Through the implementation of a Regularisation Policy targeting encroached airport lands and the aggressive recovery of legacy debts, FAAN has significantly improved its revenue position. The Authority’s adoption of Microsoft Business Central ERP is streamlining financial workflows, enhancing transparency, and enabling real-time performance monitoring.

Regarding passenger-centric reforms and service excellence, Kuku’s administration has embedded a passenger-first ethos across FAAN’s operations. Network-wide lounge refurbishments, the introduction of mother-and-child facilities, and enhanced support for passengers with reduced mobility—including dedicated hotlines and trained assistance staff—have redefined service delivery standards. A transparent refund policy and simplified complaint resolution mechanisms further reinforce FAAN’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

In the area of human capital development and organisational alignment, Olubunmi recognizes that infrastructure is only as effective as the people who operate it, Kuku has prioritised workforce development. The implementation of the revised national wage structure, clearance of outstanding arrears, and rollout of targeted training programmes aligned with the FAAN 2025 Performance Roadmap have reinvigorated staff morale. A new Performance Management System ensures that individual contributions are aligned with institutional KPIs, fostering a culture of accountability and meritocracy.

FAAN’s international footprint has expanded under Kuku’s stewardship. Strategic collaborations with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council are repositioning airports as multimodal trade enablers. Notably, her advocacy was instrumental in attracting West Africa’s first aircraft manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, with Abuja and Akure designated as host locations. Ongoing engagements with IATA and AviaDev are expected to catalyse new domestic and regional route development.

Just last November, Mrs Kuku hosted the third FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC), which drew a host of state governors, international aviation experts, and investors to recognise opportunities and tap into them. Given her position as Vice President of Airports Council International – Africa, Nigeria is expected to become a hub for global conversations on the sector in the near future.

Mrs Kuku’s leadership has redefined the expectations of what is possible within Nigeria’s aviation governance framework. Her approach—anchored in strategic foresight, disciplined execution, and stakeholder collaboration—has delivered tangible outcomes in record time. Her open-door leadership style and insistence on professionalism underscore a broader cultural shift—one that places collective responsibility and international compliance at the heart of FAAN’s transformation.

As FAAN enters its next phase, the focus is on institutionalising reforms, deepening operational excellence, and transforming Nigeria’s airports into globally competitive hubs of connectivity and commerce. With Mrs Kuku at the helm, there is no better time to bet on Nigeria’s aviation industry.