The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has reiterated her administration’s commitment to prioritising staff welfare, capacity building, and strategic business development as critical drivers of growth in the aviation sector.
Speaking during her opening remarks at the Biennial FAAN Joint Trade Unions Conference 2025, held on Monday at the Abdurahaman Danbazau Conference Centre, COCOS Hotel, Abuja, Mrs. Kuku urged aviation stakeholders to invest in bankable projects underpinned by market research, feasibility assessments, and solid business cases to attract sustainable funding.
“For sustainable growth, we must focus on data-driven investments that deliver measurable returns,” Kuku said, adding that strategic project planning is essential to building investor confidence.
The FAAN MD highlighted the importance of cargo operations in the industry’s future, noting that while the Authority has established a Directorate of Cargo Development and Services, additional technical support and investment-backed studies are still required to unlock the full potential of the sector.
Addressing staff-related issues, Kuku assured employees that the management remains committed to enhancing working conditions across all FAAN facilities. She revealed that newly negotiated conditions of service—developed in consultation with union leaders—are ready for submission to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
She also disclosed ongoing efforts to expand staff training programmes and reassess international travel budgets to ensure a broader and more equitable distribution of opportunities.
On employee healthcare, Kuku acknowledged the limitations of current medical facilities and announced that FAAN is exploring partnerships to improve health service access for its workforce. In addition, plans are in place to procure new operational vehicles for airports nationwide and commence the renovation of staff quarters to improve staff living conditions.
Also speaking at the conference, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, emphasised the importance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in ensuring accountability and performance tracking among airport managers and department heads.
Mrs. Kuku used the opportunity to commend the leadership of aviation unions—NUATE, ATSSSAN, and ANAP—for their cooperation and commitment to constructive dialogue. She encouraged union delegates to use the conference as a platform to collectively chart a progressive course for the sector.
“This conference provides an opportunity to drive industry-wide transformation. Let us champion a ‘just culture’ that promotes fairness and accountability in safety, and a ‘just transition’ that ensures sustainable aviation growth,” she said.
Reaffirming her administration’s openness to engagement, Kuku added: “Our goal is not to fight over issues but to build consensus. Let us work together to protect jobs, improve service conditions, and build a stronger aviation sector through collaboration, not confrontation.”
The conference continues with technical sessions expected to produce key resolutions to guide labour and management relations in the sector over the coming years.
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