Recertification of Lagos, Abuja Airports: A Resounding Triumph for Nigeria’s Aviation Under Kuku’s Visionary Stewardship
Nigeria’s aviation sector has achieved a monumental feat with the recertification of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, reaffirming their compliance with global safety and operational standards.
This accomplishment, under the astute leadership of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has re-established these airports on the global aviation map.
A Historic Feat
For the first time in over four years, these two pivotal airports have received renewed aerodrome operating certificates, a process that required closing significant operational gaps identified in previous International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audits.
Mrs. Kuku’s leadership has proven transformative, achieving this milestone within just 11 months of her tenure, an unprecedented accomplishment in the male-dominated field of aviation management.
Former FAAN General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Yakubu Dati, lauded Mrs. Kuku’s strategic focus, highlighting the recognition she has brought to FAAN, including two awards from Airports Council International in South Africa and her appointment as Chairperson of the African Airport Council board.
“She is talking with action, and her actions speak louder than words,” Dati remarked.
Safety and Global Standards
The recertification process, according to Comrade Olayinka Abioye, Secretary-General of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), encompassed rigorous compliance with ICAO’s Annex 14 provisions.
These include standards on runway safety, aircraft rescue and firefighting, and wildlife hazard management, among others.
“This achievement signifies a win-win for FAAN and all airlines – domestic and international,” Abioye noted, underscoring the certification’s impact on elevating FAAN’s global standing as a serious and safety-conscious operator.
Implications for Airlines, Passengers, and Service Providers
The recertification promises numerous benefits for airlines and service providers. With the airports now certified, the cost of insurance for operators is expected to reduce, a boon for both local and international airlines.
Secretary-General of the Aviation Safety Roundtable Initiative (ASRTI), Mr. Olumide Ohunayo, emphasized, “When the cost of insurance is reduced, consumers will also benefit. This achievement should be sustained and extended to other international airports.”
While the immediate financial impact on passengers remains uncertain, the overarching benefit is the assurance of safety and reliability in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Passengers can now travel with greater confidence, knowing their journeys are anchored on globally recognized safety standards.
Teamwork and Collaboration
The success of this recertification is a testament to effective collaboration between FAAN and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Mr. Chris Aligbe, CEO of Belujane Konzult, credited both organisations for addressing over 169 gaps previously identified in airport operations.
He praised Mrs. Kuku’s management for not only closing these gaps but also for sustaining efforts to elevate the industry’s standards.
“Recertification reaffirms the safety, security, and operational efficiency of Nigerian airports, offering comfort to international airline operators and positioning the nation for improved FAA ratings,” Aligbe observed.
The Broader Vision
Mrs. Kuku’s achievements do not stop at Lagos and Abuja airports. Ongoing efforts are underway to certify Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu airports, with the ultimate goal of achieving Category 2 status for all major airports.
This requires substantial infrastructure upgrades, a challenge Mrs. Kuku has approached with unwavering commitment.
Dati acknowledged the scale of her responsibilities, overseeing 27 federal airports with limited funding sources. “Her ability to multitask, collaborate, and drive a workforce of 10,000 is exemplary,” he stated.
Towards a Safer and More Reliable Future
As stakeholders celebrate these milestones, industry leaders like Ademola Onitiju, President of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative, urge FAAN to maintain a customer-centric approach.
“The recertification could be further commended if it impacts the travelling public through fewer delays and enhanced complaint resolution,” he said.
Mrs. Kuku’s tenure marks a new era for Nigeria’s aviation industry, one defined by diligence, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Her focus on sustainability, safety, and global standards has not only secured immediate wins but has also laid the foundation for long-term growth and international recognition.
A Legacy of Excellence
In just under a year, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku has achieved what many considered improbable – she has raised the bar for airport operations in Nigeria, setting an inspiring precedent for leadership in the aviation industry.
As FAAN continues its journey of transformation under her stewardship, passengers, airlines, and the nation at large stand to benefit from a safer, more efficient, and globally competitive aviation sector.
This is not merely a milestone for Mrs. Kuku or FAAN; it is a triumph for Nigeria, signaling a brighter horizon for the country’s aviation industry.
