Kuku, FAAN Managing Director
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is pushing ahead with its plans to transform the country’s aviation sector, despite a recent setback. The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, has revealed that the authority is working tirelessly to rehabilitate and modernize Nigeria’s airports, with a focus on creating a hub that rivals those in Cairo, Johannesburg, and Addis Ababa.
The project, which is expected to take 22-24 months to complete, aims to improve passenger experience, increase airport capacity, and boost economic activity.
The scope of the project includes the construction of a temporary terminal, the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, and the implementation of modern technology such as biometric checks, e-gates, and touchless payment systems.
However, the implementation of a cashless policy at airport toll gates was met with widespread congestion and public outcry, prompting President Bola Tinubu to intervene and suspend the policy.
Kuku explains that the cashless policy was part of efforts to modernize payment systems and reduce revenue leakages, but acknowledged that the authority had underestimated the infrastructure challenges and the need for greater public awareness.
“We are grateful to Mr. President for stepping in and giving us more time to pilot, transition, and put in the necessary infrastructure,” Kuku said in an interview with CNBC Africa. “We are committed to getting it right and making Nigeria’s aviation sector a beacon of excellence in Africa.”
The suspension of the cashless policy has given FAAN a chance to regroup and reassess its strategy.
Kuku revealed that the authority is working with stakeholders to improve the payment infrastructure and increase public awareness of the policy.
“We are looking at ways to improve the payment systems, increase the number of payment channels, and educate the public on the benefits of the cashless policy,” Kuku said.
She further stressed that: “We are confident that with the right infrastructure and public awareness, the cashless policy will be a game-changer for Nigeria’s aviation sector.”
Despite the setback, FAAN remains committed to its vision for a world-class airport that showcases Nigeria’s potential as a hub for air travel in Africa. The authority is leveraging technology to improve passenger experience, including biometric checks, e-gates, and touchless payment systems.
As FAAN navigates the challenges of transforming Nigeria’s airports, one thing is clear: the authority is determined to get it right and make Nigeria’s aviation sector a beacon of excellence in Africa.
“With the support of the government and stakeholders, FAAN is poised to make Nigeria’s airports a hub for air travel in Africa, and a driver of economic growth and development,” says a top airline manager who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“The rehabilitation project is a significant step towards achieving this vision, and FAAN is working tirelessly to ensure its successful completion. The project is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall travel experience for passengers,” he further stated.
As Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to evolve, one thing is certain: FAAN is committed to making it a success, and the recent setback is just a bump in the road to a brighter future.
