FAAN at Two: Kuku’s Digital Reforms Transform Revenue Transparency

The Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Ayodele Samuel Olatiregun

As the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) marks the second anniversary of Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, new details have emerged on the financial reforms reshaping the authority’s revenue management and payment systems.

Highlighting the milestones achieved under the current leadership, the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Ayodele Samuel Olatiregun, said the last two years have been defined by decisive reforms focused on digitalisation, efficiency and accountability across FAAN’s operations nationwide.

According to Olatiregun, one of the most transformative achievements of Kuku’s administration has been the comprehensive digitalisation of FAAN’s payment platforms. He explained that the shift from largely manual processes to automated, end-to-end digital systems has significantly improved revenue collection, reduced leakages and strengthened financial transparency.

“The digital payment reforms have changed the way FAAN operates,” Olatiregun said. “Transactions are now traceable, reconciled in real time and aligned with global best practices. This has improved efficiency, enhanced transparency and strengthened confidence among our stakeholders.”

He noted that the new systems have streamlined interactions with airlines, concessionaires and service providers, cutting down delays associated with manual payments and improving revenue forecasting and planning. By reducing human interface, the reforms have also helped curb revenue losses that previously plagued the authority.

Beyond payment automation, Olatiregun disclosed that FAAN has strengthened its internal financial controls and reporting frameworks, ensuring better oversight of both aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue streams. These measures, he said, have improved FAAN’s capacity to meet its financial obligations while supporting airport maintenance and operational upgrades.

“Transparency is now embedded in our systems,” he stated. “Every transaction leaves a digital trail, and this has fundamentally changed the culture of financial management within FAAN.”

The finance director credited Mrs. Kuku’s leadership for providing the policy direction and institutional support required to implement reforms across multiple departments. He noted that closer collaboration between the finance, ICT and commercial directorates has been critical to the success of the digital transformation agenda.

Industry analysts say the reforms come at a crucial time for Nigeria’s aviation sector, which is grappling with rising operational costs, foreign exchange pressures and the need for sustained infrastructure investment. Strengthened revenue assurance, they argue, positions FAAN to fund critical upgrades and improve service delivery with reduced dependence on government subventions.

The anniversary celebration, held with senior management and key aviation stakeholders, also served as a moment to reflect on broader institutional changes recorded over the past two years, including improvements in corporate governance and stakeholder engagement.

Looking ahead, Olatiregun said FAAN plans to deepen its digital reforms by deploying more advanced analytics tools and expanding cashless payment platforms across all airports, including those outside major commercial hubs such as Lagos.

“Our focus now is on consolidation and sustainability,” he said. “The gains recorded so far must be protected and scaled. That is how FAAN will remain financially resilient and competitive as Nigeria’s gateway authority.”

From Lagos to Jos and across FAAN’s airport network, the financial reforms of the past two years signal a strategic shift toward a more transparent, efficient and future-ready aviation ecosystem under the leadership of Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.

FAAN marks two years under Olubunmi Kuku as Director of Finance reveals how digital payment reforms, improved transparency and revenue management are reshaping Nigeria’s aviation sector.