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Tag: FAAN

  • Yuletide: FAAN tells airlines to review flight schedules to curb delays

    Yuletide: FAAN tells airlines to review flight schedules to curb delays

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has tasked airlines to review their schedules during the Yuletide to curb flight delays and cancellations.

    The Agency also revealed that it has commenced weekly meetings with relevant stakeholders to ensure a comfortable passenger experience and smooth flight operation between December and January.

    The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday at a retreat organised for the FAAN Governing Board and Stakeholders with the theme: “Future-proofing FAAN: Leadership, modernisation and Strategic renewal”.

    She also revealed that efforts are ongoing to fix the faulty cooling systems, address power challenges, and maintain a clean environment during the festive period.

    Highlighting preparations for the Yuletide, Kuku said: “Crucially, we must ensure that all our airports are safe, secure, and welcoming spaces for our guests, who are the reason for our existence.

    “We know that a challenge that we continue to have around the peak period is delays from airlines. We are asking the airlines, in conjunction with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to review their schedules and at least make information available in a timely manner where delays exist. So we are working closely together to ensure that we can have a smooth operation this holiday period.

    “We are speaking very closely with all of our stakeholders. We started facilitation meetings every week, as opposed to quarterly, with all the ground handlers as well as the airlines.

    “So, I can assure Nigerians during the peak period that we are making our environment comfortable from a passenger experience perspective. We are ensuring that the cooling systems are working at the airports and working overnight”.

    She added: “I think the sanitary environment is something that we have seen complaints about. So, we are pulling in facility managers into most of those major airports as well, not just the cleaners, because we have seen some culpability with those as well.

    “We have had some challenges from a power perspective, especially in Lagos. So, we are working very closely with the DISCO and on the secondary power systems as well to have a comfortable environment”.

    Kuku also hinted that FAAN has increased its aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue target.

    “Under the leadership of this present administration, where we took over in December 2023, we have increased our revenue significantly, and not just due to the FX fluctuations. If you look at our non-aeronautical revenue, we have increased our non-aeronautical revenue by over 50 per cent.

    Read Also: FAAN orders removal of vehicles from airport road

    “Our aeronautical revenue, which comprises landing, parking, and passenger service charges, has also increased. So we are on track as it relates to our revenue targets, and we are excited about that, and hope that FAAN will continue to be a self-sustaining agency.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the FAAN Board, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, said the board would support the management to make FAAN a modern, efficient, innovative, and financially sustainable institution.

    He, however, noted that the management of FAAN must pay attention to operational excellence, passenger experience, inter-agency coordination, and adopt a unified security architecture that enhances safety across airport operations.

    He added that the upgrade of infrastructure, enhanced security systems, and adoption of digital solutions that align the country’s airports with global best practices must be accelerated.

    Ganduje said, “Investing in staff welfare and capacity development, recognising that our people are the true engine of organisational progress and improving operational efficiency and expanding revenue generation pathways to ensure long-term sustainability must be our focus.”

  • FAAN orders removal of vehicles from airport road

    FAAN orders removal of vehicles from airport road

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has ordered  the immediate removal of petrol tankers, limousine cabs and other vehicles parked along the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) Road, describing their unauthorised presence as a security and safety threat around the critical air transport infrastructure.

    FAAN said it was constrained to issue the notice after a series of communications to the owners of such vehicles, which appear  not to yield the desired results.

    Its Managing Director / Chief Executive, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku who disclosed at a briefing on Monday to herald activities marking: FAAN Safety Week, said the authority will continue to engage stakeholders on possible causes of conflict and its attendant consequences for the air travel ecosystem.

    She said the sight of such vehicles along the Airport Road does not reflect good optics for the country , warning that failure by their owners to remove them will trigger forceful action by the airport authority.

    Explaining the essence of the Safety Week, Mrs Kuku said it will serve as a forum to drive  enhanced communication and collaboration among passengers, airlines, and airport security agencies to mitigate  escalating concerns.

    Kuku spoke on the complexities arising from divergent airport and airline protocols, highlighting the need for harmonization and strict adherence to established guidelines for the handling and packaging of dangerous goods.

    She said that FAAN has been proactive in addressing these concerns, conducting refresher training sessions for aviation security personnel on the identification and management of prohibited items and hazardous materials.

    Recent incidents at Abuja and Kano airports have underscored the gravity of this issue, with passengers attempting to carry acidic substances and other forbidden items onto aircraft. Kuku recounted a particularly alarming incident in Abuja, where a passenger became belligerent when questioned about a suspicious item, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and understanding among passengers regarding the risks associated with hazardous materials.

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    Kuku explained that FAAN has seen instances where the procedure of the airport may slightly differ from that of the airline because each airline has their own procedure in terms of dangerous goods or prohibited goods and how they’re packaged.

    “Immediately, we sprung into action. One of the things we did was to make sure that the Directorate of Aviation Security conducted a refresher on dangerous goods and prohibited items in line with the standard procedures.

    “I believe we had two situations in Abuja and Kano airports. In Abuja, we had a passenger who came into the terminal with items. The aviation security officers had asked her if what she had was acidic in nature.

    “The passenger was livid. She was upset. In fact, I understand she slapped some FAAN security officers that were there who restrained themselves because her question back to them is why should I have acid? Even the passengers sometimes do not understand what is classified as prohibited materials or what are dangerous goods,” Kuku explained.

    She recalled an incident in Kano where the airport authority had actually looked at those items and saw they were properly packaged.

    According to her, the airline accepted the items, but indeed, they had acidic levels that were potentially dangerous and there was an incident on the aircraft which thankfully was not an unfortunate incident.

    She said this is,  however,  another awareness and wake-up call to ensure FAAN’s  procedures are aligned or well understood.

    “Communication is critical and an understanding of the various security agencies that we have within the airport environment and the role that each agency or each organization plays.

    “The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) released a new version or an updated version of the National Facilitation Program, which is actually headed by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. That program is actually domesticated at the airport level by our airport managers” she said.

    The FAAN MD said that while there’s a coordination that happens with the Joint Intelligence Board, which is led by the national security advisor, what FAAN has been doing a lot more is to ensure it increases training and awareness programs.

    “We’re also now extending it to not just the security agencies that operate under FAAN but to all of the security agencies within the environment. I know they all have their own individual protocol, but whatever we’re extending within our environment, we think that it’s important that we hammer it in as well,” Kuku said

    Kuku also said it would forcefully remove fuel tankers and cars parked indiscriminately around the Lagos airport environment.

    She said that parked vehicles and tankers have been identified as a major safety and security risk to the airport environment and would need to vacate immediately.

    According to her, these vehicles are major encroachers, especially the ones seen on the road approaching the airport.

    “There are lots of cars, lots of vehicles and we have reached out to various organizations. I believe the Tankers Drivers Association, the limousine parks, all the buses along the airport road. We have continuously informed them, I believe, via engagements and also via letters around the need to move away from those locations because it’s unsafe and hazardous to the environment,” Kuku said.

    She also said the presence of these vehicles does not beautify the environment.

    “Over the last few weeks, we’ve embarked on potential sanitation exercises to try and understand who those inhabitants are and to give them further notice. We’ve also engaged the Lagos State government and we’re working very closely with Lagos State, and the federal security agencies to start to clear up that space.

    “So again, this is another way to appeal to all of those inhabitants to please remove themselves from those locations because we will embark on forceful action,” Kuku said.

    Speaking on the theme of the safety week, ‘Navigating Conflicts for a Safer Aviation Industry in Nigeria,’ Kuku said it was carefully selected to reflect FAAN’s ongoing commitment to safety, collaboration, and the professional well-being of everyone within Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.

    “As we all know, aviation safety does not depend solely on technology; human factors such as communication, trust, and teamwork play a crucial role. Where conflict arises, safety can be jeopardised.

    “That is why this year, we have chosen to focus not just on compliance but on raising awareness about the importance of cultivating emotional intelligence, conflict management skills, and a culture of respect across all levels of the industry. This is vital if we are to uphold the safety of passengers, stakeholders, and staff,” she said.

    Kuku noted that through this year’s Safety Week initiative, FAAN aims to enhance how aviation professionals manage disagreements, stress, and diverse opinions, especially in high-stakes environments where clear communication can make all the difference.

    “We acknowledge some of the unfortunate incidents that have occurred at our terminals recently. By equipping our workforce with the necessary tools to de-escalate tensions and foster understanding, we are actively building a safer and more resilient industry,” she said.

  • FAAN hails Nigeria’s removal from FATF greylist

    FAAN hails Nigeria’s removal from FATF greylist

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to transparency and its role as a key champion in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption and financial malpractices.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, made this declaration while formally congratulating Nigeria and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) on the country’s successful removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List.

    In an official statement, Mrs Kuku commended the dedication and resilience demonstrated by the NFIU and all other agencies involved in the collaborative effort that led to this significant milestone.

    “I am profoundly proud and elated at this remarkable achievement,” stated Mrs Kuku. “This success serves as further evidence of our nation’s capacity to achieve great things when we work together with a common purpose.

    “I wish to extend my special congratulations to the Chief Executive Officer of the NIIU, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, for her passion and for effectively coordinating all other agencies to achieve this remarkable feat. Congratulations and well done to everyone.”

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    Mrs Kuku elaborated on the implications of this development, noting, “Nigeria’s removal from the FATF Grey List signifies that our nation is no longer subject to increased international monitoring for perceived weaknesses in its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) frameworks. This is a positive development that restores global confidence, facilitates easier and more cost-effective international trade for Nigerian businesses, and enhances our appeal to foreign investors.”

    She further emphasised FAAN’s role in this national accomplishment, adding, “This achievement signifies that Nigeria has successfully addressed the strategic deficiencies previously identified by the FATF. I am proud that FAAN played a significant and substantive role in making this possible.”

    The FAAN MD/CE also seized the opportunity to encourage potential investors to view Nigeria as a prime and viable investment destination, assuring them of a secure and rewarding environment with the potential for substantial returns.

  • FAAN reaffirms commitment to aviation reform

    FAAN reaffirms commitment to aviation reform

    The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to transforming the aviation sector through increased private investment and large-scale infrastructure renewal.

    Kuku stated this while speaking as a panelist on “Shaping the Future of Air Travel: A Global Airport Perspective” during the 35th Airports Council International (ACI) World Annual General Assembly held in Toronto, Canada.

    She said Nigeria’s stabilizing economy is driving growth in passenger traffic but warned that challenges such as poor intra-African air connectivity continue to hinder progress across the continent.

    The FAAN chief emphasized that private capital remains crucial to bridging the sector’s infrastructure gaps, adding that government funding alone cannot sustain aviation expansion.

    According to her, FAAN has already embarked on several major upgrades, including the deployment of electronic gates for contactless passenger processing and stronger enforcement of consumer protection rules through sanctions on non-compliant airlines in partnership with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

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    Kuku also restated Nigeria’s support for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), noting that its success depends on complementary investments in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services and air cargo facilities.

    She highlighted the growing number of new international routes launched by domestic carriers as a sign of Nigeria’s expanding aviation footprint and readiness for sustained sectoral growth.

    “Nigeria is on the verge of major aviation growth. With the right policies, investment climate, and regional cooperation, we can reshape the continent’s air transport future,” Kuku said.

    Kuku also renewed calls for greater private-sector participation and investment in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation maintenance ecosystem and retain aircraft servicing locally.

    Kuku said the initiative is central to FAAN’s infrastructure renewal programme, designed to reduce dependence on foreign facilities for heavy aircraft checks. She explained that despite ongoing improvements in airport modernization, Nigeria’s lack of comprehensive MRO capacity remains a key weakness in the aviation value chain.

    “If you look at Africa, especially West Africa, there’s no single MRO facility that handles comprehensive C and D checks. We have maintenance facilities that do A and B checks, but the heavier maintenance work still requires ferrying aircraft abroad. That’s what we’re determined to change,” Kuku said.

    According to her, FAAN’s plan is to create a sustainable maintenance ecosystem through collaboration with investors, state governments, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). She said this approach will allow local airlines to conduct full-scale maintenance, reduce operational costs, and retain revenue within Nigeria.

    Kuku revealed that FAAN is currently executing a 22 to 24-month capital renewal programme with partial government funding and internally generated revenue. She emphasized that aviation remains highly capital-intensive, making private collaboration crucial for long-term infrastructure sustainability.

    “We can’t depend on government funding alone. The private sector must play a role, and we are seeing increased interest from investors who recognize the potential of Nigeria’s aviation market,” she said.

    She added that the current reforms have strengthened investor confidence, enabling the development of new MRO zones and expansion of existing hangars. According to her, these facilities will form the foundation of a modern maintenance ecosystem capable of serving both domestic and regional fleets.

    “There’s been a large focus on building MRO facilities within the market. We’re also working to ensure there’s a good market for spares as we expand infrastructure. This will make Nigeria a regional hub for maintenance and aircraft support,” she said.

     Kuku said this dependence drains foreign exchange and limits local employment opportunities, underscoring the urgency of building a homegrown maintenance ecosystem.

    “Our goal is to keep both the work and the revenue in Nigeria. We want to build a maintenance ecosystem that employs local engineers and attracts global certification,” she said.

    She noted that the vision for aviation infrastructure goes beyond aircraft maintenance, encompassing cargo, logistics, and trade. Nigeria’s growing agribusiness exports, she said, require temperature-controlled facilities and reliable logistics support to strengthen the air cargo value chain.

    Kuku maintained that regional hub development must integrate services such as MRO, spares supply, and cargo handling. This, she explained, would ensure that Nigeria’s airports evolve into fully functional commercial and technical centers capable of supporting sustainable growth.

    She also linked FAAN’s efforts to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), explaining that local MRO capacity will help improve fleet turnaround and enhance reliability for African carriers. “When airlines can maintain their fleets within Africa, turnaround times improve, reliability increases, and we create a sustainable maintenance ecosystem for intra-African connectivity,” she said.

    Kuku added that Nigeria’s domestic airlines have begun expanding international operations, citing the new Abuja–Heathrow and Abuja–Gatwick routes as indicators of industry progress. She said such growth must be backed by a solid technical base that allows airlines to sustain international standards.

    Beyond technical development, Kuku said FAAN is investing in passenger-focused technology, including e-gates for arrivals and departures and contactless travel systems. She explained that the goal is to build an airport environment that matches travelers’ lifestyles while ensuring operational efficiency.

    “We are building an airport environment that matches the lifestyle of our travelers,” she said. “As we modernize, we’re ensuring that our technology solutions are seamless, user-friendly, and aligned with passenger expectations.”

    She said sustainable aviation in the country depends on coordinated policy, private investment, and technical development. She said the establishment of a reliable maintenance ecosystem is key to achieving competitiveness, safety, and self-reliance in the region’s aviation industry.

  • FAAN unveils cashless policy at Abuja airport

    FAAN unveils cashless policy at Abuja airport

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched a “go cashless policy” at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, to block revenue leakages and improve seamless operations.

    FAAN also stated that it will be phasing out physical cash payments at all FAAN revenue points, including access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges, by Q1 of 2026.

    The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said the initiative means faster, more secure transactions, an end to delays of cash handling and long queues.

    Speaking during the launch at the Abuja airport on Monday, Mrs. Kuku said continued reliance on physical currency causes delays, operational inefficiencies and vulnerabilities in revenue collection.

    Kuku, represented by the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade, outlined the policy’s benefits.

    She said: “Effective September 29th, 2025, we have started phasing out physical cash at all FAAN revenue points, including access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges.

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    “The benefits are clear. A faster, smoother journey from the access gate to the parking lot for passengers and enhanced security, as you no longer need to carry large amounts of cash.

    “For FAAN and the nation, it means optimised revenue collection, significantly reduced leakage, and a robust financial accountability system.

    “We have begun this rollout strategically, starting with the access gates and lounges at the beginning, and subsequently, to all FAAN-managed airports across the country.”

    On when the initiative will be fully operational, she said: “The card is being activated for only FAAN-managed revenue points and within this first pilot phase, we expect to increase our revenue by 50 per cent. By the time we go fully cashless, we expect to be doing between 75 per cent and 100 per cent growth on the revenue we currently do today.

    “Everybody sees our figures, they are not hidden. What we are trying to do is to ensure that we are collecting 100 per cent of all the revenue for the federal government.

    “Today, between Lagos and Abuja, we have roughly about 300,000 motorists who go through our access gate. That gives you a vague idea of what we generate from just the access gate. We haven’t considered the car parks, we haven’t considered the lounges.

    “So rest assured that by the time we roll out this program fully, which we hope will be by Q1 next year, we should be able to double the revenue we are currently making from it.

    “We have given ourselves a target of six months. And we hope that by the end of Q1, we will have phased out, totally, cash collections within the airport. So by Q1 next year, we’re totally phasing cash out at FAAN”.

  • FAAN launches cashless policy at Abuja airport to block revenue leakages

    FAAN launches cashless policy at Abuja airport to block revenue leakages

    …to phase out cash payments by Q1 2026

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched a “go cashless policy” at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, to block revenue leakages and improve seamless operations.

    FAAN also stated that it will be phasing out physical cash payments at all FAAN revenue points, including access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges, by Q1 of 2026.

    The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said the initiative means faster, more secure transactions, an end to delays of cash handling and long queues.

    Speaking during the launch at the Abuja airport on Monday, Mrs. Kuku said continued reliance on physical currency causes delays, operational inefficiencies, and vulnerabilities in revenue collection.

    Kuku, represented by the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade, outlined the policy’s benefits.

    She said, “Effective September 29th, 2025, we have started phasing out physical cash at all FAAN revenue points, including access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges.

    “The benefits are clear. A faster, smoother journey from the access gate to the parking lot for passengers and enhanced security, as you no longer need to carry large amounts of cash.

    “For FAAN and the nation, it means optimised revenue collection, significantly reduced leakage, and a robust financial accountability system.

    “We have begun this rollout strategically, starting with the access gates and lounges at the beginning, and subsequently, to all FAAN-managed airports across the country.”

    On when the initiative will be fully operational, she said, “The card is being activated for only FAAN-managed revenue points and within this first pilot phase, we expect to increase our revenue by 50 per cent. By the time we go fully cashless, we expect to be doing between 75 per cent and 100 per cent growth on the revenue we currently do today.

    “Everybody sees our figures; they are not hidden. What we are trying to do is to ensure that we are collecting 100 per cent of all the revenue for the federal government.

    “Today, between Lagos and Abuja, we have roughly about 300,000 motorists who go through our access gate. That gives you a vague idea of what we generate from just the access gate. We haven’t considered the car parks, we haven’t considered the lounges.

    “So rest assured that by the time we roll out this program fully, which we hope will be by Q1 next year, we should be able to double the revenue we are currently making from it.

    “We have given ourselves a target of six months. And we hope that by the end of Q1, we will have phased out, totally, cash collections within the airport. So by Q1 next year, we’re totally phasing cash out at FAAN.”

  • FAAN rolls out cashless operations at airports

    FAAN rolls out cashless operations at airports

    Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has concluded plans to roll out: “ Operations Go Cashless “, a contactless payment solution at airports nationwide.

    The pilot phase of the new arrangement, the authority said will be flagged off with Murtala Muhammed International Airport , Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja

    According to a statement by the airport authority, the new payment architecture is part of its broader strategy to automate and digitize its operations.

    FAAN said the new system will be driven in  partnership with Paystack, a financial technology platform

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    The statement reads: “Effective September 29, 2025, all payments at FAAN’s revenue points, including airport Access Gates, Car Parks, FAAN VIP and Protocol Lounges will go cashless which means we will be phasing out the collection of cash at these points.

    “Travelers and airport users will now enjoy fast and seamless services by using a secure contactless payment option.

    This initiative responds to the growing demand for safe, modern, and transparent payment systems while ensuring Nigeria’s airports remain aligned with global digital trends.

    “By reducing reliance on cash, FAAN aims to enhance efficiency, improve revenue assurance, and deliver a better customer experience at our airports.”

    To ease the transition, trained brand ambassadors have been deployed at access gates and around the terminals to guide users, assist with onboarding, provide demonstrations, and answer questions they may have.

    “In addition, passengers can obtain a FAAN Go Cashless Card at any airport access gate in Lagos and Abuja. After collection, users are encouraged to activate and fund their cards immediately.”

  • FAAN to launch cashless payment operations at Lagos, Abuja airports

    FAAN to launch cashless payment operations at Lagos, Abuja airports

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has unveiled plans to introduce cashless payment systems across all airports in the country.

    The initiative will take off at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, beginning September 29.

    According to FAAN, the move is designed to provide travellers with faster, safer, and more seamless services through secure contactless payment options.

    The agency explained that the transition is part of efforts to meet the rising demand for modern, transparent payment systems and to keep Nigeria’s airports in line with global digital standards.

    To ensure a smooth rollout, trained ambassadors have been deployed to access gates and terminals to assist travellers with the new system.

    The statement signed on Friday by the management reads, “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in partnership with Paystack, is proud to announce the roll-out of ‘Operation Go Cashless’, a cashless contactless payment solution across all airports beginning with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

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    “Effective September 29, 2025, all payments at FAAN’s revenue points, including airport Access Gates, Car Parks, FAAN VIP and Protocol Lounges, will go cashless, which means we will be phasing out the collection of cash at these points. Travelers and airport users will now enjoy fast and seamless services by using a secure contactless payment option.

    “This initiative responds to the growing demand for safe, modern, and transparent payment systems while ensuring Nigeria’s airports remain aligned with global digital trends. By reducing reliance on cash, FAAN aims to enhance efficiency, improve revenue assurance, and deliver a better customer experience at our airports”.

     On how the initiative would work, it stated, “To ease the transition, trained brand ambassadors have been deployed at access gates and around the terminals to guide users, assist with onboarding, provide demonstrations, and answer questions they may have.

    “In addition, passengers can obtain a FAAN Go Cashless Card at any airport access gate in Lagos and Abuja. After collection, users are encouraged to activate and fund their cards immediately by visiting www.gocashless.faan.gov.ng.”

     It further stated its commitment to continuous improvement and expansion of the cashless policy to other airports nationwide in phases.

  • Federal airports fully insured — FAAN MD

    Federal airports fully insured — FAAN MD

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Wednesday says all federal airports managed by the authority are fully insured.

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, gave the clarification while responding to claims that the airports were not insured.

    Kuku also clarified that the insurance were up-to-date, with available records to back it up.

    She said “de-rubberisation and runway hygiene has been done; infact, records are available to show.

    “Other areas I will concur are habitation and community issues that have impacted the wildlife and bird strikes and we have been working closely with relevant stakeholders to control.

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    “The historical runway issues based on structural and engineering issues on some of the runways, along with those exceeding their lifespan are being corrected gradually with complete overhauls and maintenance.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that de-rubberisation is the process of removing rubber deposits on the runway to enhance landing grip of aircraft tyres.

    In other words, it is aimed at better landing on the runways.

    (NAN)

  • FAAN resumes direct cargo revenue collection at airport after 15 years

    FAAN resumes direct cargo revenue collection at airport after 15 years

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has recorded what it described as a “historic milestone” with the resumption of direct revenue collection at the cargo terminals of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, after 15 years.

    For the first time in more than a decade, FAAN officials from the Directorate of Cargo Development and Services (DCDS) are now physically stationed at the cargo release points of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) warehouses to collect accrued cargo charges in real time.

    FAAN’s Director of Cargo Development and Services, Lekan Thomas, said the move followed months of intensive stakeholder engagement. He explained that “placing FAAN officers at the point of cargo release is not only a revenue safeguard but also a confidence-building measure for all parties in the cargo value chain.”

    The Airport Manager, Olatokubo Arewa, noted the system was already yielding results. “Leakages that plagued revenue collection for years are now being addressed. We are seeing greater accountability and a more transparent process,” he said.

    The initiative, according to FAAN, was bolstered by a high-level meeting between its Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs Olubuni Kuku, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

    Speaking on the collaboration, Mrs Kuku said: “We are committed to operational efficiency and transparency. This milestone is a testament to the power of inter-agency cooperation. Together with the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders, we are working to ensure that our airports deliver full value to the Nigerian economy.”

    The Customs Area Command, led by Comptroller T Awe, has also thrown its weight behind the exercise. Officials said the synergy between FAAN and Customs would “strengthen cargo operations and improve the ease of doing business” at the airport.

    FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, described the development as a breakthrough that would not be confined to Lagos alone. “The success at MMIA will serve as a model for replication at other airports across the country. It reflects FAAN’s vision to optimise cargo operations and unlock new streams of value for the industry,” she said.

    Industry operators say the resumption of direct revenue collection after 15 years marks a turning point in FAAN’s drive to sanitise cargo operations and improve revenue performance in the aviation sector.