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The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, on Monday declared open the 2025 edition of the FAAN National Aviation Conference (FNAC), with a compelling call for global investment, strategic partnerships, and renewed stakeholder collaboration to elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry into a new era of growth.
The event, held at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together influential industry leaders, investors, regulators, global partners, state governors, legislators, and members of the diplomatic and business communities. It took place under the theme: “Elevating the Nigerian Aviation Industry through Investment, Partnership & Global Engagements.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, while the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana. Several state governors, heads of aviation agencies, and members of the National Assembly were also in attendance.
In her welcome address, Mrs Kuku described the gathering as historic and timely, noting that global aviation is experiencing unprecedented rebound and expansion.
According to her, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts global passenger traffic to hit a record 4.99 billion in 2025, while Airports Council International projects a surge to 9.7 billion passengers by 2040 – with Africa poised to drive much of the growth.
“Africa is the next frontier, and at the heart of this opportunity lies Nigeria,” she said. “These numbers are not just statistics; they are signals of billions of journeys, connections, and opportunities waiting to be unlocked.”
Addressing Nigeria’s aviation realities, including infrastructure deficits, foreign exchange constraints, and the need for rapid modernisation, Kuku urged investors to see these challenges as a “portfolio of high-value opportunities.”
“For every dollar invested in aviation, nearly four dollars are generated in broader economic growth,” she stated, citing ICAO data. “Where else can you find such a compelling multiplier?”
She highlighted ongoing Federal Government investments, noting that six airports and several runways are currently undergoing government-funded modernisation. She expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for what she described as a “decisive commitment” to the sector’s growth.
Kuku outlined FAAN’s six strategic pillars – customer-centric service delivery, operational excellence, effective governance, infrastructure expansion, modernisation, and safety and security – adding that these reforms were already yielding measurable gains.
In the past two years alone, FAAN’s ICAO-accredited training school has trained 7,320 aviation personnel, reflecting a major boost in technical capacity and workforce readiness.
The agency has also strengthened its international collaborations, including a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding with ATOM Aviation Training Services in Dubai, designed to enhance global best practices across Nigeria’s airport operations.
Service quality has further improved through the Culture Change programme, which has reshaped the work ethic of 4,000 employees, fostering a more professional and customer-focused workforce.
FAAN has modernised security and operational systems by installing advanced screening technologies across major international airports and piloting biometric solutions that will eventually support full automation – from passenger check-in to car park management.
In addition, FAAN has commenced the process of securing ISO certification from the International Organisation for Standardisation, a move aimed at improving international ratings and bolstering investor confidence in Nigeria’s airport systems.
“In a nutshell, FAAN is ready,” she declared confidently.
Mrs Kuku extended an open invitation to both local and international investors, highlighting three key areas where the industry is ripe for collaboration and capital infusion.
She noted that infrastructure gaps present significant opportunities for investment in terminal modernisation, cargo processing facilities, and the development of airport cities.
The FAAN boss also emphasised the need for global partnerships in operational management, ground handling, and logistics to drive efficiency and share in the profitability of Nigeria’s expanding aviation market.
Furthermore, she called for engagement in technological innovation, including biometrics, automation systems, and sustainable aviation solutions, urging investors to join Nigeria in shaping the future of travel across Africa.
“The fundamentals are undeniable: Africa’s largest population, a growing economy, and a strategic geographic location,” she said. “Growth is inevitable. The only question is, who will have the foresight to be in the cockpit with us?”
Addressing labour unions directly, Kuku appealed for cooperation in the sector’s transformation drive. She assured that private investment would not displace workers but would instead enhance facilities, introduce advanced systems, and expand employment opportunities.
“The private investment we seek is not a replacement for our workforce; it is the catalyst for its growth,” she stressed.
Describing the conference as “our deal room for the future,” Kuku said the next two days would be dedicated to moving from “dialogue to deals,” with regulators, policymakers, financiers, and operators expected to outline pathways toward sustainable sector reform and growth.
“To our international partners, your presence here is a testament to your confidence in us. Let us convert that confidence into commitment,” she added.
She concluded by urging stakeholders to approach the conference with boldness and foresight: “Ask the tough questions. And see Nigeria not for the challenges of the past, but for the boundless opportunities of the future.”
Mrs Kuku then formally welcomed participants to FNAC 2025, marking the beginning of deliberations expected to shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s aviation sector for years to come.
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