FAAN MD: N580bn needed to rehabilitate ageing runways across Nigerian airports

Olubunmi Kuku, managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), says N580 billion is needed for the rehabilitation of airport runways across the country.

According to NAN, Kuku spoke on Wednesday during a tour of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) with Kana Ibrahim, the permanent secretary of the ministry of aviation and aerospace development.

Stressing that ageing infrastructure has been a critical challenge, the FAAN MD said the lifespan of an airport runway is between 20 to 25 years, noting that most of the airports were built in 1978.

She said other facilities, including terminals and equipment, are old and require significant upgrades to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

Kuku said land encroachment, security issues, financial constraints, and the lack of a befitting office complex are key obstacles affecting the agency’s efficiency.

The FAAN boss, however, said despite these challenges, the agency generated N343 billion in revenue between January and November 2024, and remitted N128.7 billion to the federation’s coffers during the year.

She said the authority plans to boost its revenue in 2025 by implementing innovative approaches to expand nonaeronautical income streams.

Kuku said the streams include commercial concessions, advertising opportunities, real estate projects, and cargo operations.

She also emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to unlock investment opportunities and develop underutilised assets.

“FAAN will invest in state-of-the-art security systems, including biometric screening and advanced surveillance technologies to ensure compliance with global standards,” she said.

“Staff training on aviation security and safety procedures will be intensified to address emerging challenges and risks in the industry.

“FAAN will upgrade and maintain e-procurement systems to reduce technical downtimes; we plan to align FAAN’s goals with National Aviation policies and international standards.

“FAAN will integrate environmentally sustainable practices into its operations, focusing on energy efficiency, waste management, and carbon emission reductions.”

Other plans, according to Kuku, include improving critical facilities at major international airports while regional airports would be enhanced to meet growing passenger and cargo demands.

‘AVIATION SECTOR DEMANDS CONSTANT INNOVATION, EXPERTISE’

In his remarks, Ibrahim commended FAAN’s leadership under Kuku and expressed confidence in the ongoing transformation of the aviation sector.

“The aviation sector demands constant innovation and expertise, I therefore, urge everyone to put on their thinking caps and contribute to improving the system,” he said.

“Together, we can elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry to global standards.”

Ibrahim attributed FAAN’s achievements to the visionary leadership of Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, and assured the agency of the ministry’s continued support.