Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has reaffirmed that all federal airports managed by FAAN maintain full liability coverage, with records up to date.
Responding to statements raised by stakeholders at a forum, she stressed that FAAN has consistently met its obligations and remains compliant with international safety standards.
According to her, FAAN’s liability coverage is not compromised.
“This was brought to my attention. Clarifying that all FGN airports managed by FAAN are insured with the insurance up to date. Derubberization and runway hygiene has been intact, records are available,” Kuku said.
She, however, acknowledged areas requiring improvement. “Only area I would concur are habitation and community issues that have impacted the wildlife/bird strikes, and we have been working closely with relevant stakeholders to control.
The historical runway issues based on structural/engineering issues on some of the runways along with those exceeding their lifespan are being corrected gradually with complete overhauls and maintenance.”
Her clarification comes as debate on liability coverage intensifies within the aviation sector.
At the 5th CHINET AviaCargo Conference, Managing Director of Landover Company, Captain Edward Boyo, called for compulsory airport insurance enforcement.
He argued that while airlines, passengers, and cargo are insured, airports have often been shielded from scrutiny.
“Mr. Regulator, you have to ensure that all airports in Nigeria take up insurance. A lot of jet aircraft are destroyed by airport inefficiencies and infrastructure. Many accidents that happen at airports are the direct responsibility of the airport,” Boyo warned.
Boyo highlighted recurring risks such as poor runway hygiene, weak de-rubberization, and inadequate wildlife management. He insisted that the only way to guarantee accountability is to insure Nigerian airports comprehensively.
Former FAAN Managing Director, Captain Hamisu Yadudu, also defended the agency’s liability coverage on compliance.
In an earlier interview with NigerianFLIGHTDECK, he said every FAAN-operated facility was insured and fully paid up to the time he left office in 2023. He confirmed that subsequent checks showed continuity in premium payments.
“All FAAN airports, I can confirm to you, are fully insured. Up to the time I left, payments were made. After your call, I made further checks and received confirmation that FAAN is still paying. So, there is no issue with FAAN airports; it is the state airports that are questionable,” Yadudu said.
He added that FAAN once petitioned the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to restrict civilian flights into military airports, citing lack of commercial insurance and safety standards.
Industry experts now caution that state-owned and military airports remain a blind spot. Without uniform liability coverage, they argue, safety and financial protection could be compromised in the event of accidents.
While the conversation continues, Kuku’s assurance underscores FAAN’s compliance, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to protecting passengers, airlines, and national aviation assets.
