By Yakubu Dati
Since breaking the glass ceiling as the first female Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku has worked tirelessly to drive economic reforms. Her efforts support the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s focus on transforming Nigeria’s aviation sector. Kuku’s impact through reforms in Nigerian airports exemplifies her dedication to improving aviation standards and revenue generation.
Kuku has introduced initiatives to improve passenger traffic, leading to an increase in both aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue streams. As a result, her efforts will contribute significantly to the National Bureau of Statistics’ (NBS) report on internal revenue generation across Nigeria. Through these reforms, she is driving positive performance metrics for the aviation industry.
Her strategy has focused on enhancing productivity in all departments, improving staff efficiency with tailored training, and using advanced tools for improved service delivery. This administration has shown that reforms across all sectors, including aviation, will be key to Nigeria’s economic stability. Thus, Mrs Kuku has proven her capacity and commitment to meet this objective through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Mrs Kuku’s keen financial acumen, supported by her degree in Finance and her MBA in International Finance & Strategic Management, has proven invaluable. With over two decades in the field, she has demonstrated a solid commitment to improving revenue generation. She understood that sustaining 26 airports nationwide on revenue from only two viable airports is an unsustainable approach. Therefore, she has focused on diversifying FAAN’s income sources through partnerships and strategies to generate additional airport revenue.
Furthermore, Kuku has drawn the link between improved revenue and safety standards, enhancing FAAN’s focus on staff training. During her first week, she signed the revised FAAN Corporate Safety Policy, clearly showing her commitment to accountability in safety.
In just 11 months, Mrs. Kuku achieved over 2,000 training hours for 3,219 staff and key safety stakeholders. By prioritising safety, she has significantly strengthened passenger confidence, operational efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.
As a result, these efforts contribute to economic growth in the aviation sector while promoting higher safety standards. Moreover, as Managing Director, Kuku is building a solid foundation for a safer, more efficient travel experience. Her vision closely aligns with Minister Festus Keyamo’s plan to standardise aviation infrastructure.
Furthermore, as a team-oriented leader, she has gained the respect of her management team. They have fully embraced her vision to equip FAAN personnel with essential training, supporting her goals. This includes a wide curriculum that includes both mandatory ICAO programmes and industry best practices. Read Also: President Tinubu’s appointment of Mrs Bunmi Kuku as MD unlocks revenue streams at FAAN
These courses cover Airside Operations and Safety Compliance Training, Global Reporting Format (GRF), and Aerodrome General Safety Awareness. Additionally, they include essential training on emergency protocols and crisis management.
Kuku understands that the airport serves as a critical global connection hub. Therefore, she has introduced courses in Runway Maintenance and Safety Management Systems.
To further her vision, Kuku implemented extensive training in safety protocols. This includes Reporting Systems and Safety Audits, both emphasising vigilance and continuous improvement.
Maintaining a safe airport environment is a dynamic task that demands ongoing vigilance and collaboration.
With her leadership, Kuku’s impact through reforms is evident as extensive training has been provided to improve runway and taxiway design, complemented by a comprehensive Safety Management System.
Kuku’s efforts have earned praise from aviation stakeholders for her dedication to safety standards.
Kuku’s resourceful renovation of Terminal 1 has improved passenger comfort, while ongoing roadworks around the airport enhance accessibility. Her partnership with Lagos State Government on road infrastructure has also improved access, enhancing passenger convenience. She explained, “We understand that travellers trust us with their well-being, and this is why every investment we make is centred around safe and reliable travel.”
These compliance measures foster trust among airlines, investors, and government bodies, and they contribute to tourism growth, ultimately boosting revenue. Her achievements have been recognised both locally and internationally. FAAN was ranked among Nigeria’s Top 5 Most Improved Agencies by PEBEC, and the Airport Council International honoured FAAN with two safety awards. Kuku’s recent appointment to the ACI Board further acknowledges her influence in global aviation.
These are significant accomplishments for less than a year in office, underscoring Kuku’s impact through reforms and her dedication to advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Yakubu Dati, former General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, writes from Abuja
yakubudati@gmail.com
