FAAN Seeks Stronger Ties with Nigerian Air Force to Bolster Airside Security
The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has called for deeper and sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force as part of renewed efforts to enhance security across the nation’s airports.
Mrs Kuku made this appeal on Tuesday while receiving the Commander of the National Air Defence Corps, Air Vice Marshal Japhet Ekwuribe, during a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening cooperation between both institutions.
Addressing her guest, the FAAN boss underscored the increasingly complex nature of security challenges within airport environments, noting that no single agency can effectively tackle them in isolation.
She stressed that robust partnerships, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operational frameworks are essential to safeguarding critical aviation infrastructure.
According to her, FAAN remains resolute in its commitment to working closely with the Air Force in key operational areas. These include enhanced airside patrol support, improved communication regarding sensitive flight operations, and proactive surveillance of activities within and around airport perimeters.
Mrs Kuku also highlighted land encroachment as a growing threat to airport safety and infrastructure, warning that unchecked developments around aviation facilities could undermine security and operational efficiency.
She called for collective vigilance and timely intervention from relevant stakeholders to address the issue before it escalates further.
She added that collaboration among aviation stakeholders remains central to maintaining safety standards and ensuring seamless airport operations.
Reaffirming FAAN’s appreciation of its longstanding relationship with the Air Force, she expressed optimism about expanding existing cooperation to meet emerging security demands.
In his response, Air Vice Marshal Ekwuribe commended FAAN’s leadership for its proactive stance on aviation safety and security.
He described the visit as a strategic opportunity to deepen institutional ties and improve coordination in tackling shared security concerns.
The Air Force commander noted that strengthened collaboration would significantly enhance surveillance capabilities, response mechanisms, and overall operational effectiveness within Nigeria’s airport system.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement and the development of practical frameworks designed to guarantee a safe, secure, and efficient aviation environment.
The visit underscores a shared resolve by FAAN and the Nigerian Air Force to work in synergy towards protecting vital aviation infrastructure and ensuring the continued safety of airport operations nationwide.
