By Yakubu Dati
The emergence of Mrs. Bunmi Onabanjo Kuku as the first female Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) met with unrestrained optimism due to her background as an insider who had played critical roles in fast-tracking development in the aviation sector. Revenue-generating agency transformation has been a key focus of her leadership, and her contributions to FAAN’s growth are commendable.
On her appointment, industry players recalled how years ago, Mrs. Kuku applied her skills and technical expertise to create a robust document enhancing FAAN’s capacity as a service organization with a blueprint known as the Aviation Sector Roadmap. Read Also: FAAN Seeking Strategies to Improve Underperforming Airports, Says Kuku
It is clear that after putting so much into the sector, Mrs. Kuku has only been positioned to give her best to the industry.
Kuku, on assuming duty as CEO of FAAN, resisted the temptation to engage in blame games, choosing rather to focus on solutions and silently piloting the organization towards a revenue-generating agency transformation in line with her mandate. She did this without compromising on the core values of safety, security, and comfort.
In a bid to improve the safety of flight operations Kuku relied on the recommendation of the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO), to procure world class equipment in the industry including birds/wildlife equipment with a bird phaser laser; tranquilizer guns and vector fog amongst other sensitive tools to make for safe flights.
Using her adroitness in administration, the forward-thinking technocrat went ahead to deepen collaboration with security agencies in order to address issues of land-grabbing/encroachment, airside movement, VIP protocol movement, and other challenges at the airports.
Following Presidential approval to enhance the capabilities of the FAAN Aviation Security Department and the subsequent training of a select group of AVSEC personnel, Mrs. Kuku also supported the agency to promote training a specialized unit aimed at significantly enhancing security measures in and around the airports.
These milestones demonstrate the new administration’s commitment to elevating the overall security baseline at Nigerian airports, as well as ensuring the safety and well-being of all travelers, staff, and facilities.
To strengthen collaboration with other agencies, the new helmsman held an interactive stakeholder meeting with Security Agencies, Handling Companies, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Aviation Round Table (ART), where she made it clear that she would carry stakeholders along in the task of achieving customer-centric focused airports; upgrading airport infrastructure; eradicating touting and maintaining safety and security at the airports.
Little wonder that few months into her tenure as MD, she earned nomination as the Regional Advisor representing Africa on the Airport Council International (ACI) World Governing Board.
This achievement significantly benefits Nigeria and underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to appointing capable leaders, marking a pivotal moment for African aviation.
This is because the position enables Mrs. Kuku to play pivotal roles in shaping policies and strategies that impact airports across the continent and to represent Africa on the ACI World Governing Board, which oversees 2,100 airports and 814 members across 169 countries.
As a confirmation of her proficiency and commitment, her principal, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, expressed satisfaction with her work during an inspection tour of several developmental and innovation projects at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), where he toured the newly renovated E-Wing toilet, completed by Max Impact Africa, and the extensive work done on the E-Departure area.
The tour coincided with the launch of the FAAN Private Sector Collaboration and Renovation Initiative, a cornerstone of the Minister’s 5-point agenda which leverages private sector expertise in upgrading airport facilities to drive infrastructural improvements across Nigeria’s airports.
The MD facilitated the Minister’s flagship initiative, leading to the resumption of Emirates Airlines and Uganda Airlines flight operations, including a maiden flight to Nigeria. She also ensured staff received improved welfare packages and promoted social interaction by personally kicking off an Inter-Directorate football tournament, which delighted the staff.
In a strategic bid to collaborate with state governors who are benefiting stakeholders, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku engaged with the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Bar. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on the upgrade of the state airport to a cargo international airport for the benefit of Plateau State, FAAN, and the nation at large.
She has also opened talks with the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, with a proposal for the expansion, rehabilitation, and upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan into an international airport.
Not done with that, the workaholic goal-getter embarked on international engagements participating at the 33rd Airports Council International Africa Annual General Assembly, Regional Conference, Exhibition & Airshow at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa.
Her reformation efforts led to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) being ranked among the Top 5 Most Improved Agencies in Nigeria by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
In recognition of her outstanding leadership and the exceptional performance of airports under her management, Olubunmi Kuku and her team from FAAN received two prestigious safety awards at the ACI Africa Conference in Johannesburg.
These awards reflect her commitment to elevating Nigeria’s aviation standards and her vision for a thriving and resilient aviation industry in Nigeria and across Africa while spotlighting her exceptional services and operational excellence.
With a passion for innovation and excellence, Mrs. Kuku is quietly piloting FAAN to a grade ‘A’ revenue-generating agency by blocking leakages and mainstreaming income to the Federal purse in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
Yakubu Dati, a former General Manager, Corporate Affairs of FAAN writes from Abuja Yakubudati@gmail.com
