, Mrs. Olubunm){kind=link}
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has urged aviation stakeholders to prioritise investments in project development to enhance bankability and attract investors.
In her opening address at the Biennial FAAN Joint Trade Unions Conference 2025, held in Abuja, she emphasised the importance of conducting market studies, feasibility assessments, and creating robust business cases to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
Mrs. Kuku highlighted the crucial role of cargo operations in the future of the industry, noting that investment requires clear returns supported by comprehensive data.
She pointed out that although FAAN has established the Directorate of Cargo Development and Services, additional support and data-driven studies are necessary to build investor confidence.
Staff Welfare
Addressing staff welfare, Mrs. Kuku reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to improving working conditions. She announced that the newly negotiated conditions of service, developed with union participation, are set to be submitted to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
She also mentioned ongoing efforts to reassess staff training and international travel budgets for broader coverage.
Regarding medical facilities, Mrs. Kuku acknowledged the need for improvements and revealed that FAAN is exploring partnership opportunities to enhance healthcare access for employees.
Additionally, she disclosed plans to procure operational vehicles for airports and renovate staff quarters to improve living conditions.
In her discussion on airport management, she stressed the importance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure efficiency and accountability among airport managers and department heads.
Mrs. Kuku expressed gratitude to the aviation unions—NUATE, ATSSSAN, and ANAP—for their cooperation and urged delegates to utilize the conference to strategize effectively for the advancement of the sector.
“This conference serves as a pivotal platform to address our concerns. By championing a just culture that emphasizes accountability in safety practices and facilitating a fair transition towards sustainable aviation, stakeholders can collectively drive meaningful change,” she stated.
Reiterating FAAN’s commitment to dialogue and staff welfare, Mrs. Kuku assured the unions that management remains open to constructive engagement, honest dialogue, and practical solutions to workplace challenges.
“I urge you, dear union delegates, to utilize this conference to strategize with foresight, engage with purpose, and emerge with resolutions that reflect both the aspirations of your members and the realities of our shared environment.
“Let us work together to protect jobs, enhance conditions of service, and strengthen the sector—not through conflict, but through cooperation,” she concluded.”
Hauwa Abu