FAAN Receives Validation For Ambitious Initiatives Under Kuku at Wings of Change Focus Africa Conference

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has received notable validation for its recent initiatives under the leadership of Managing Director/CE Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku at the Wings of Change Focus Africa (WOCFA) Conference held from July 2nd to 3rd, 2024, in South Africa. 

The two-day event, as recapitulated in a statement signed by Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, FAAN, gathered key aviation stakeholders who recognised the importance of various measures FAAN has implemented to enhance airport operations and infrastructure in Nigeria.

During the first day of the conference, Nigeria’s Minister for Aviation & Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, addressed the urgent need to remove visa restrictions to facilitate the free movement of people and goods across Africa. 

Mr. Keyamo emphasised the necessity of collaboration with Foreign Affairs Ministers across the continent to achieve this goal. 

He also advocated for increased funding for air transport in Africa, reflecting FAAN’s commitment to creating safe and accessible airports for tourists and travelers, and eliminating criminal activities around airport premises.

IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa & Middle East, Kamil Al-Awachi, stressed the importance of pursuing net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, aligning with FAAN’s recent environmental sustainability programs.

Discussions on the second day centered around FAAN’s creation of a dedicated Department for Cargo Services. 

Stakeholders highlighted the need for improving trade facilitation, air cargo facilities, and infrastructure. Emphasis was placed on cargo compliance, closer collaboration among African countries, and specialised training for stakeholders in the cargo sector.

The conference also explored the digitalisation of passenger processing and the adoption of robotics technology in African airports to enhance speed, efficiency, and customer experience. 

This focus on technology aligns with FAAN’s current agenda to drive operational efficiency.

Concerns about staffing challenges with technological advancements were addressed, with stakeholders advocating for the training and retention of young talent in the aviation industry. 

FAAN’s extensive training programs across Nigeria were praised for their role in developing skilled professionals to sustain the industry’s growth.

The discussions also validated FAAN’s efforts to optimise and improve revenue generation at Nigerian airports, recognising the importance of financial sustainability in achieving long-term development goals.

Overall, the IATA WOCFA Conference confirmed that FAAN is on the right path to realising its vision of developing Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure in line with global benchmark. 

The Authority said the measures and initiatives discussed at the conference are crucial steps towards enhancing Nigeria’s aviation sector and fostering greater regional cooperation.