Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, has said that N580 billion is needed for the rehabilitation of runways across the country as some had outlived their life span.
The MD made the remark during the tour of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State on Wednesday.
The tour was undertaken by the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Kana Ibrahim.
She explained that the lifespan of an airport runway was between 20 years to 25 years and most of the airports were built in 1978.
She said that many of FAAN’s facilities, including terminals and runways, were aging and in need of significant repairs and upgrades.
- Osun 2026: God has ordained you for second term, Primate Ayodele tells Gov. Adeleke
- Tinubu okays conversion of YABATECH to university
- X named most harmful social media platform in Nigeria
- Exam Malpractices: NECO blacklists 14 centres in Ogun, Oyo
- Canada declines comment on visa denial for Nigeria military chiefs
Kuku added that other challenges included aging infrastructure, obsolete equipment, land encroachment, security, financial constraints, and non-availability of befitting office complexes among others.
She said that the situation affected operational efficiency and safety, and necessitated substantial investment for modernisation.
Kuku, however, disclosed that the authority generated N343 billion from January to November 2024 and remitted N128.7 billion into the federation’s coffers in 2024.
The FAAN boss said that the authority aimed at increasing its revenue in 2025 by adopting innovative strategies to increase non-aeronautical revenue streams.
She explained that the streams included commercial concessions, advertising, real estate development, and cargo operations.
Kuku also hinted that FAAN would also focus on Public Private Partnership to expand investment opportunities and develop underutilised assets in 2025.
According to her, 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.”
Kuku also said that improving critical facilities at major international airports would be prioritised, while regional airport capacity would be enhanced to meet growing passenger and cargo demands.
In his speech, the Permanent Secretary commended the structural framework and leadership of the FAAN.
Ibrahim expressed confidence in the ongoing transformation within the aviation sector, commending the dexterity of Kuku in enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery.
He, therefore, reaffirmed the ministry’s full support for FAAN in sustaining the momentum of development, while prioritising comprehensive training for personnel for sustainability .
He said: “The aviation sector demands constant innovation and expertise.
“I, therefore, urge everyone to put on their thinking caps and contribute to improving the system.
“Together we can elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry to global standards.”
Ibrahim, additionally, attributed the success recorded at FAAN to the visionary leadership of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN).
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
