The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched the ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Maiden Edition. The four-day programme marks a strategic push to develop the professionals needed to sustain Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The programme commenced at the FAAN Training School on July 20, 2026, and will run until July 23. It is designed to strengthen workforce development, attract talent, support career growth and improve succession planning across critical aviation functions.
The initiative brings together FAAN personnel from Airport Operations, Aviation Security (AVSEC), Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Safety, Human Resources, Finance and Engineering. Therefore, the programme targets the broad skills base required to build a competent and future-ready aviation workforce.
The training aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) NGAP objectives. These objectives focus on developing a sustainable pipeline of skilled aviation professionals capable of meeting the industry’s changing demands.
NGAP Drives Talent Development and Succession Planning
Declaring the programme open on behalf of FAAN Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, the Director of Special Duties, Mrs Obiageli Orah, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to human capital development.
Mrs Orah described investment in human capital as a strategic driver of operational excellence and sustainable growth. She noted that aviation continues to evolve rapidly, making continuous learning essential for professionals across the sector.
The Director therefore urged participants to take full advantage of the programme. She encouraged them to actively engage in the sessions and apply the knowledge gained to improve service delivery across FAAN.
Her remarks underscore the wider significance of the NGAP initiative. Beyond providing professional training, the programme is designed to strengthen the talent pipeline that will support FAAN’s operations and leadership in the years ahead.
Meanwhile, the General Manager, Training and Human Resources Development, Mrs Oluwatoyin Akinlade, urged participants to embrace the programme as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
She encouraged them to acquire new competencies and use the knowledge gained to enhance their careers. In addition, she linked the programme directly to FAAN’s succession planning and talent retention efforts.
Akinlade emphasised that developing and retaining skilled professionals remains critical to the Authority’s continued growth and operational excellence. This focus is expected to help FAAN prepare employees for greater responsibilities while reducing potential gaps in critical aviation expertise.
NGAP Programme Builds Future Aviation Leaders
The NGAP Global Maiden Edition brings together participants from different directorates and operational units across FAAN. The programme provides a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and the development of future aviation leaders.
Interactive sessions are being facilitated by experienced aviation professionals and subject matter experts. The sessions will focus on strengthening workforce capacity and equipping participants with the skills required to navigate the future of aviation.
For FAAN, the programme comes at a time when the aviation industry faces rapidly changing technology, evolving operational standards and increasing demand for specialised skills. Therefore, developing a strong talent pipeline has become essential to maintaining safe, efficient and sustainable airport operations.
The programme also places succession planning at the heart of FAAN’s workforce strategy. By developing existing personnel and supporting career progression, the Authority is seeking to ensure that skilled professionals are available to fill critical roles as the industry evolves.
The NGAP Global Maiden Edition therefore represents more than a four-day training programme. It signals FAAN’s broader effort to build, retain and prepare the human capital required to operate Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure in the future.
As the programme concludes on July 23, its success will ultimately be measured by how participants apply their new knowledge and competencies. However, the initiative has already positioned workforce development as a central pillar in FAAN’s pursuit of operational excellence and the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
