Why FAAN’s Proposed Airport Charges Review Is Seen as Crucial for Nigeria’s Aviation Future
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s decision to embark on an upward review of airport charges is gaining increasing attention across the aviation sector, as industry stakeholders frame the move not merely as a revenue measure but as a critical step towards safety, sustainability and modernisation of Nigeria’s airports.
For more than two decades, airport tariffs and charges in Nigeria have remained largely unchanged, despite profound transformations in global aviation and a sharp rise in operational costs.
FAAN, which manages 22 airports nationwide, has operated under severe financial constraints, relying on charges that were largely fixed in the early 2000s while inflation, security demands and infrastructure pressures have continued to intensify.
Industry analysts argue that Nigeria can no longer sustain a modern aviation system using a cost structure designed for a different era. As one aviation expert put it, the country “cannot build world-class airports on 2002 prices while operating a 2026 aviation environment”.
Over the last 20 years, the aviation industry worldwide has undergone rapid evolution. Fuel prices have surged, security requirements have expanded, and the cost of technology, maintenance and compliance has doubled or even tripled in some areas.
Yet FAAN’s revenue framework has not been adjusted to reflect these realities, forcing the authority to fund increasingly complex airport operations with outdated tariffs.
Airports today function as sophisticated ecosystems rather than simple transit points. They require uninterrupted power supply, advanced security screening systems, modern firefighting and emergency response capabilities, and constant investment in staff training and certification.
Regulatory obligations have also expanded significantly, with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) mandating upgrades in security screening technology, emergency preparedness and environmental management.
In addition, airports are expected to comply with international standards such as ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 9001 for quality management systems. These requirements come with substantial capital and recurrent expenditure, which FAAN officials say cannot be sustainably met without realistic cost-recovery mechanisms.
Nigeria’s airport infrastructure gap further underscores the urgency of increased investment. Many airports across the country require extensive upgrades, including terminal refurbishments, runway and taxiway rehabilitation, installation of modern boarding bridges, improved baggage handling systems, apron expansion, and upgrades to power, cooling and perimeter security systems. Aviation sources estimate that addressing these needs will require billions of naira in sustained funding.
Without a review of charges, FAAN’s capacity to maintain critical infrastructure, improve safety standards, support airline expansion and compete with regional hubs such as Accra, Kigali, Addis Ababa and Johannesburg remains limited.
Safety and security considerations are also central to the debate.
Aviation is inherently safety-critical, and maintaining compliance with global benchmarks comes at a cost. Revised charges would enable FAAN to invest in modern firefighting vehicles, advanced scanners and surveillance systems, improved airfield lighting and navigational aids, as well as continuous training for aviation security personnel.
Enhanced revenue would also support environmental protection systems and fully equipped emergency operations centres.
Crucially, sustained funding would help FAAN maintain continuous audit readiness for inspections by ICAO, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other regulatory bodies, reducing the risk of safety-related findings that could affect Nigeria’s international aviation standing.
Passenger experience is another area where improved funding is expected to make a tangible difference. Travellers increasingly demand clean and efficient terminals, functional facilities, fast and reliable security screening, effective baggage handling, good lighting and ventilation, dependable internet connectivity and responsive customer service.
Airlines, in turn, require efficient ground handling environments to ensure quick turnarounds and operational reliability. Stakeholders argue that meeting these expectations is impossible without adequate financial resources.
Globally, airport charges are typically reviewed every three to five years in line with ICAO’s cost-recovery principles. Nigeria’s failure to adjust charges for more than 20 years places it outside international best practice.
A review would align FAAN’s funding model with those used in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, where transparent and regulated tariffs support sustainable airport management.
Beyond aviation, the economic implications are significant. The sector plays a key role in job creation, tourism, trade and overall economic growth.
Improved airport infrastructure enhances Nigeria’s attractiveness to international airlines, strengthens its ambition to become a West African aviation hub, supports air cargo and e-commerce growth, boosts domestic tourism and improves regional connectivity.
For the review to succeed, analysts stress the importance of transparency and stakeholder engagement. FAAN is expected to continue consultations with airlines, ground handlers, freight forwarders, aviation workers, passengers, the media and government agencies to ensure broad understanding and acceptance of the changes.
Clear communication, they say, will help stakeholders appreciate that the revised charges are not punitive but are investments in safer, more efficient and more competitive airports.
As the debate continues, one point remains widely acknowledged: world-class airports require sustainable financing. Supporters of the review argue that Nigeria’s current airport charges can no longer support the safety, infrastructure and service standards demanded by modern aviation.
In their view, the proposed adjustments are essential to restoring competitiveness and ensuring that Nigeria’s airports reflect the country’s population, economic potential and regional influence.
Ultimately, they contend, the long-term beneficiaries will be passengers, airlines, cargo operators and the Nigerian economy as a whole.
