Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari, FCNA, FICA, has paid an official visit to the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in Lagos, as part of his ongoing familiarisation tour of agencies under the Ministry. This was contained in a statement signed by Chindaya Ahmadu Audu, Director, Information and Public Relations.
The visit forms part of efforts to strengthen institutional efficiency, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and obtain firsthand insight into the operational activities, achievements, and challenges of agencies within the aviation sector.
Speaking during the engagement, Kambari reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with FAAN and other aviation agencies, describing them as critical partners in the attainment of national development objectives and the advancement of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He assured the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) of the Ministry’s readiness to support the Authority’s mandate, strategic vision, and programmes aimed at promoting a unified and sustainable approach to sectoral growth.
Kambari stressed the need to reinstate regular top management meetings involving the Honourable Minister, Permanent Secretary, Ministry Directors, and heads of aviation agencies, noting that such engagements would provide a strategic platform for addressing sectoral challenges and driving practical solutions.
He further emphasised that his administration would prioritise collaboration, workforce motivation, and operational safety, stating that a productive and motivated workforce remains essential to achieving optimum performance.
“We will continue to support all agencies to succeed, ensuring that Nigeria’s aviation industry remains a key economic driver and a hub of global connectivity,” he said.
He urged staff of the Authority to remain dedicated, loyal, and supportive of the leadership in order to effectively deliver on organisational mandates and the policy direction of the Federal Government.
Kambari commended the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, as well as the management and staff of the Authority for their commitment and contributions to the growth of the sector.
He also advised that discussions be initiated on FAAN’s pension liabilities and other pressing operational concerns, including power supply challenges, so that sustainable solutions can be presented to the Federal Government. He added that continuous follow-up on key issues would be necessary to ensure timely resolution.
Kambari further stressed the need for enhanced security presence and professional conduct at airport arrival and departure terminals nationwide.
As part of the visit, he inspected the newly completed temporary terminal facility and the mobile temporary control tower.
In her remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku described the Permanent Secretary’s visit as timely and confidence-boosting.
She highlighted FAAN’s strategic role in managing Federal Government-owned airports, as well as overseeing standards and services across state and private airports in Nigeria.
She noted that the Authority remains responsible for developing, maintaining, and providing the facilities and services necessary for safe, secure, and efficient air transport operations.
Mrs. Kuku also outlined ongoing infrastructure projects, including developments at Kano International Airport, Calabar Airport, and Sokoto Airport, among others.
She listed key achievements of the Authority to include enhanced passenger facilitation and travel experience, improvements in staff welfare, institutional culture transformation, airport recertification efforts at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, digital transformation initiatives, and implementation of the 1Gov platform.
Mrs. Kuku, however, identified major challenges facing the Authority, including funding constraints for safety-critical projects, pension liabilities estimated at ₦246 billion, manpower shortages, aging infrastructure, training needs, land encroachment, security concerns, revenue deductions, and persistent power supply issues at Lagos and Abuja airports, resulting in high expenditure on electricity and diesel.
She also requested support for the provision of a second taxiway at the Abuja airport ahead of the proposed second runway project, as well as assistance in recovering FAAN lands nationwide.
She assured the Permanent Secretary of FAAN’s continued collaboration with the Ministry, expressing confidence that with sustained support, Nigeria’s aviation industry would continue to thrive.
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