By The Ameh News
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has unveiled its 2025 By-Laws, the first comprehensive review of its airport regulatory framework in 21 years, in a move aimed at modernising airport governance, strengthening safety and security, and aligning Nigeria’s aviation industry with global best practices.
The revised framework replaces the 2005 version, which FAAN says no longer reflects the realities of today’s aviation environment.
While industry stakeholders have welcomed the initiative as a significant step towards improving airport operations, legal experts say the unveiling also raises important questions about the statutory authority under which the new by-laws were made and the oversight role of the National Assembly.
Why Now?
Nigeria’s aviation sector has experienced significant transformation over the past two decades, driven by increased passenger traffic, digital technology, private sector participation, heightened security concerns and evolving international aviation standards.
Against this backdrop, FAAN believes its previous by-laws had become outdated and insufficient to regulate modern airport operations.
Unveiling the document, FAAN Board Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, described the 2025 By-Laws as a landmark achievement that will strengthen airport governance, improve operational efficiency and provide a modern legal framework for airport management nationwide.
Similarly, FAAN’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, said the review became necessary because the 2005 regulations could no longer address the operational realities of today’s aviation industry.
According to her, the new framework is designed to promote safer, more secure and commercially sustainable airport operations while aligning Nigeria with international best practices.
What Do the New By-Laws Cover?
Although FAAN has not yet released the full provisions of the document, the Authority said the regulations will serve as an operational guide for:
FAAN personnel;
Airlines;
Airport concessionaires;
Security agencies;
Service providers;
Passengers; and
Other airport users.
The Authority said the framework is intended to improve operational discipline, strengthen safety and security, regulate commercial activities and ensure greater efficiency across Nigeria’s federal airports.
Where Does the National Assembly Stand?
One issue attracting attention following the announcement is the constitutional and legal basis of FAAN’s new by-laws.
Legal practitioners note that while FAAN has administrative powers to regulate airport operations, it cannot make laws that override Acts of the National Assembly or the Constitution.
Under Nigeria’s legal framework, the Constitution remains the supreme law, followed by Acts enacted by the National Assembly. Any regulations, guidelines or by-laws issued by government agencies such as FAAN are regarded as subsidiary legislation, meaning they must derive their authority from an existing Act of the National Assembly.
Experts explained that the National Assembly remains the country’s primary law-making institution. It establishes agencies such as FAAN through legislation, defines their powers, exercises oversight through its aviation committees and retains the authority to amend or repeal enabling laws whenever necessary.
Consequently, aviation lawyers argue that the legality of the 2025 By-Laws will depend on whether they were issued under powers expressly delegated by the FAAN Act or other applicable aviation legislation.
If the by-laws simply regulate airport operations, passenger conduct, safety procedures and commercial activities within powers granted by law, they are likely to be valid.
However, should any provision create new criminal offences, impose penalties or confer powers beyond those authorised by the enabling Act, such provisions could be challenged in court as ultra vires—meaning beyond the Authority’s legal powers.
For transparency and legal certainty, analysts say FAAN should publish the full text of the by-laws and clearly indicate the statutory provisions empowering the Authority to issue them, as well as whether all necessary legal procedures, including gazetting and required approvals, were followed.
What Does This Mean for Travellers?
For passengers, the new framework is expected to improve the overall airport experience.
Travellers could benefit from:
Enhanced airport safety and security.
Better enforcement of airport rules.
Faster and more efficient passenger processing.
Improved customer service.
Better management of airport facilities.
Greater orderliness within airport terminals.
More transparent commercial activities.
Industry observers believe stronger operational standards could also enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a regional aviation hub and encourage more international airlines and investors.
Who Will Benefit?
The reforms are expected to benefit multiple stakeholders across the aviation value chain.
Passengers stand to enjoy safer and more efficient airport services, while airlines may benefit from clearer operational procedures and improved coordination.
Airport concessionaires and service providers are expected to operate within a more transparent regulatory environment, while security agencies will have clearer operational guidelines.
Investors could also gain greater confidence in Nigeria’s airport system if the reforms lead to improved governance and regulatory certainty.
Ultimately, experts say the Nigerian economy could benefit through increased tourism, business travel, job creation and greater private-sector investment in airport infrastructure.
Experts’ Perspective
Aviation and legal experts who spoke to The Ameh News described the review of FAAN’s by-laws as timely, noting that airport regulations must evolve alongside technological advancement and international aviation standards.
However, they stressed that implementation must remain firmly within the limits of the law.
According to them, the success of the reforms will depend not only on stronger enforcement but also on legal compliance, stakeholder engagement and transparency regarding the Authority’s statutory powers.
They added that publication of the full document would enable airlines, aviation professionals, legal practitioners and the travelling public to better understand the scope and implications of the new regulatory framework.
What Next?
With the unveiling completed, stakeholders expect FAAN to begin nationwide implementation.
Attention will now focus on whether the Authority will:
Publish the complete 2025 By-Laws for public scrutiny.
Conduct stakeholder sensitisation across the aviation industry.
Train FAAN personnel and airport operators on the new provisions.
Ensure consistent enforcement across all federal airports.
Clarify the legal authority under which the by-laws were issued.
Work with the National Assembly where legislative amendments may be required.
The Bigger Picture
The introduction of the 2025 By-Laws underscores FAAN’s determination to modernise airport governance and improve service delivery across Nigeria.
Yet, beyond operational efficiency, the initiative also highlights the importance of ensuring that regulatory reforms remain firmly anchored in the rule of law. As implementation begins, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the new framework successfully balances modern airport management with constitutional and legislative requirements.
FAAN has unveiled its 2025 By-Laws after 21 years to modernise airport governance, improve safety and efficiency, while experts call for clarity on the legal authority and oversight role of the National Assembly.
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