"Infrastructure alone is not enough. Our next priority is investing in people, improving customer service, strengthening security and making Nigerian airports more seamless for passengers," says Mrs. Olubunmi Onabanjo Kuku during The Progressives NG X Space on Renewed Hope: Transforming Nigerian Airports.
Nigeria's aviation sector is undergoing one of its most ambitious transformation drives in recent years, with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) implementing wide-ranging reforms designed to improve safety, passenger experience, operational efficiency and infrastructure across airports nationwide.
Speaking during an X Space hosted by The Progressives NG on the topic, "Renewed Hope: Transforming Nigerian Airports," the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Onabanjo Kuku, said the ongoing reforms extend beyond physical infrastructure to include improved service delivery, stronger security, digital innovation and enhanced human capacity development.
According to her, Nigeria's airports have recorded measurable progress over the past year, although considerable work still lies ahead.
She explained that airport transformation is not simply about constructing new terminals or rehabilitating old facilities, but about creating a seamless travel experience for passengers from the moment they arrive at the airport until they board their flights.
To improve security within airport environments, she disclosed that FAAN has intensified efforts to eliminate touting and other unauthorised activities. Personnel found engaging in touting or operating outside their assigned responsibilities face disciplinary measures, including the confiscation of their official airport access cards, while the organisations or agencies they represent are also sanctioned.
She also appealed to travellers to prioritise their personal security by avoiding the practice of handing over luggage to unauthorised individuals, stressing that passengers should only interact with accredited airport personnel.
Mrs. Kuku highlighted Operation AIR CLEAN as one of FAAN's nationwide initiatives aimed at improving airport operations, security, cleanliness and passenger satisfaction. While the programme is being implemented across the country, she noted that its execution differs from one airport to another based on operational needs and specific local challenges.
The FAAN boss further explained that stronger collaboration with international aviation organisations has significantly benefited Nigeria's aviation sector. She said access to reliable operational data has enabled the authority to make more informed decisions, while the support of Airports Council International (ACI) has strengthened Nigeria's advocacy efforts before the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), giving the country's aviation industry greater visibility on the global stage.
She added that ACI's airport service quality assessments have also helped identify operational gaps, allowing FAAN to focus improvements on areas that directly affect passenger comfort and service delivery.
According to her, the goal is not only to build new airport infrastructure but to maintain existing facilities to international standards by ensuring clean terminals, functional air-conditioning systems, efficient security screening, modern amenities and seamless passenger movement.
On airport cleanliness and facility management, Mrs. Kuku acknowledged that while improvements have been made, there is still room for further progress. She disclosed that FAAN is replacing several service providers with organisations that possess the expertise and capacity to manage high-volume airport operations professionally.
Speaking on the increasing number of airports being developed by state governments, she emphasised that airport construction requires significant financial investment beyond terminal buildings alone.
She explained that airports must meet international operational standards, including adequate runway specifications, fire-fighting equipment, aviation security personnel and other safety infrastructure.
According to her, every proposed airport should be supported by comprehensive feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses and sustainable traffic projections to determine its long-term viability.
She noted that passenger traffic is closely tied to economic growth, pointing out that despite Nigeria's estimated population of over 220 million people, fewer than 10 percent currently travel by air.
For this reason, she encouraged state governments to complement airport development with investments capable of generating passenger traffic, including manufacturing, agriculture, cargo operations, tourism, sporting events and other commercial activities.
She equally advocated a multimodal transportation approach, urging governments to improve road and rail connectivity alongside airport development to maximise economic benefits.
Addressing ongoing airport concession initiatives, Mrs. Kuku described the resolution of the long-running Bi-Courtney concession dispute as a significant milestone for Nigeria's aviation industry.
She explained that the settlement demonstrates the viability of public-private partnerships in Nigeria and provides valuable lessons for future concession arrangements.
Under the agreement, Bi-Courtney will now operate both domestic and regional flight services at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MM2).
She further disclosed that the ongoing concession process would facilitate the completion of the Enugu International Airport project, address runway challenges, expand cargo operations through private-sector participation and provide additional opportunities for staff training and capacity development.
Importantly, she assured aviation workers that no FAAN staff would lose their jobs as a result of the concession arrangements, noting that existing personnel would be retained and equipped with additional skills.
Mrs. Kuku also highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving passenger experience across Nigerian airports.
She said road expansion projects are already underway around airports in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt to reduce congestion and improve accessibility.
In addition, FAAN is introducing dedicated baggage drop facilities in Lagos and Abuja to simplify the check-in process, while also reviewing operational procedures responsible for unnecessary delays.
Passengers, she said, are already benefiting from newly upgraded airport lounges in Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt, while businesses operating within airport terminals are now being evaluated against stricter service quality standards.
Operators who fail to meet these standards, she warned, would be replaced with businesses capable of delivering more passenger-friendly services.
On digital transformation, the FAAN Managing Director revealed that the authority has made significant progress toward implementing cashless payment systems across airport operations.
She explained that although payment infrastructure is already in place, the biggest challenge remains public adoption.
According to her, the number of passengers registered for the cashless system has grown from just a few thousand to more than 60,000 users.
She added that FAAN is expanding toll lanes, providing additional opportunities for passengers to obtain payment cards and enabling the use of bank-issued cashless cards.
The long-term objective, she said, is to extend cashless payments beyond airport toll gates to parking facilities, airport services and private charter operations, thereby reducing dependence on cash transactions.
Mrs. Kuku also provided updates on the Federal Government's over ₦900 billion aviation infrastructure investment.
She explained that several runways across Nigeria have exceeded their expected lifespan and are therefore undergoing comprehensive reconstruction.
Among the major projects are the complete reconstruction of Kano Airport's runway, installation of modern airfield lighting systems in Kano and Port Harcourt, rehabilitation of Lagos domestic runway, construction of perimeter security fencing and extensive upgrades to airport terminals.
She disclosed that Terminal One is currently undergoing full rehabilitation, including modernisation of cooling systems, baggage handling facilities, passenger boarding bridges and terminal layout.
Terminal Two is also being upgraded to accommodate wide-body aircraft through apron expansion and extension of passenger boarding bridges.
Additional infrastructure projects include the construction of new internal road networks, a bridge expected to be completed in October, improved parking facilities and a new transit hub connecting both terminals.
Mrs. Kuku further announced the rollout of standardised public address systems, modern Flight Information Display Systems and a Passenger Experience Hub designed to provide passengers with easier access to flight information.
While the digital platform currently serves international travellers, she said plans are already underway to extend the service to domestic passengers.
Assessing the current state of Nigerian airports, Mrs. Kuku noted that although substantial progress has been achieved, the next major phase of transformation will focus on people rather than infrastructure.
She stressed that airport personnel across all agencies, including Customs, Immigration and other service providers, must embrace professionalism, improve customer service and eliminate behaviours such as touting, begging and other practices capable of diminishing passenger confidence.
She concluded that while infrastructure development remains a continuous process, the long-term success of Nigeria's airport transformation agenda will depend largely on building a workforce that delivers world-class service and creates a safe, efficient and welcoming airport environment for every traveller.
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