FAAN Celebrates Recertification of Lagos, Abuja International Airports
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has celebrated a momentous milestone as the Lagos and Abuja International Airports received recertification, marking a significant step towards strengthening the country’s aviation infrastructure.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, during a formal ceremony attended by key stakeholders, including the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Directors from both FAAN and NCAA, and other distinguished guests.
In her address, Kuku expressed pride and humility in achieving the recertification, noting that it underscores the dedication and resilience of the entire team involved in the rigorous process.
“This milestone is not just a reflection of our achievements but a testament to the dedication and hard work of every individual involved in this extensive process,” she stated.
According to her, the Aerodrome certificates for the airports, which had been inactive since 2020, have now been successfully renewed.
This accomplishment, according to the FAAN Chief Executive, aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, particularly Annex 14, which governs Aerodromes.
The recertification process included comprehensive assessments of infrastructure such as runway conditions and airfield lighting systems.
The FAAN MD highlighted ongoing and future improvements to critical facilities, particularly the primary runways in Lagos (Runway 18R) and Abuja.
She emphasised the importance of these runways in ensuring the efficiency and safety of air traffic, noting that additional focus has been placed on taxiways A, B, and C in Lagos, which play crucial roles in the seamless movement of aircraft.
She said the ongoing efforts aim to bring these facilities in line with ICAO standards, ensuring a safer and more efficient air travel experience.
Despite the progress made, the FAAN MD acknowledged that there remains work to be done.
“Some of our runways and airfield lighting systems still require further attention to meet ICAO standards fully. We are committed to addressing these challenges head-on and will allocate the necessary resources to expedite these improvements,” she affirmed.
Mrs Kuku attributed the success of the recertification process to the steadfast support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.
She lauded President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which aligns with FAAN’s mission to revitalise the aviation sector, also praised Minister Keyamo’s Five-Point Agenda, which prioritises safety, security, infrastructure development, and stakeholder engagement.
“The leadership and vision provided by President Tinubu and Minister Keyamo have been instrumental in guiding us toward this achievement. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future in Nigerian aviation,” she said.
The FAAN MD urged all stakeholders to maintain the momentum achieved, extending her gratitude to airport managers, their teams in Lagos and Abuja, the Director of Airport Operations, the Director of Engineering, and the NCAA teams, whose efforts formed the backbone of this success.
“As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to collaborate and work hand in hand. Together, we will ensure that our airports not only meet but exceed the expectations of our passengers and stakeholders,” she added.
The recertification of Lagos and Abuja airports sets the stage for continued growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector, with a view to enhancing safety, and improving service delivery.
