Cargo operations are crucial to aviation’s future in Nigeria – FAAN MD

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, says cargo operations are crucial to the future of aviation sector in Nigeria, noting that cargo investment requires clear returns supported by comprehensive data.

Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku called on aviation stakeholders to prioritise investment in project development to enhance bankability and attract investors. She emphasised the importance of conducting market studies, feasibility assessments, and developing strong business cases to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.

Mrs. Kuku stressed this in her opening address at the Biennial FAAN Joint Trade Unions Conference 2025 in Abuja, pointing out that while FAAN had established the Directorate of Cargo Development and Services, additional support and data-driven studies are necessary to secure investor confidence.

On staff welfare, Mrs Kuku reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to improving working conditions, stating that the newly negotiated conditions of service—developed with union participation—are set for submission to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to reassess staff training and international travel budgets for more inclusive coverage.

Addressing concerns about medical facilities, Kuku acknowledged the need to improve on what is currently available and revealed that FAAN is reviewing partnership opportunities to enhance healthcare access for employees.

Additionally, she mentioned plans to procure operational vehicles for airports and renovate staff quarters to improve living conditions.

In discussing airport management, she stressed the importance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure efficiency and accountability among airport managers and department heads.

Mrs Kuku expressed gratitude to the aviation unions—NUATE, ATSSSAN, and ANAP—for their cooperation and urged delegates to use the conference to strategise effectively for the sector’s advancement.

“This conference serves as a pivotal platform to address our concerns. By championing just culture, which emphasises fairness and accountability in safety practices, and just transition, which supports equitable shifts toward sustainable aviation, stakeholders can collectively drive meaningful change,” she stated.

Reaffirming FAAN’s commitment to dialogue and staff welfare, Mrs Kuku assured the unions that management remains open to constructive engagement, honest dialogue, and practical solutions to workplace challenges.

“I urge you, dear union delegates, to utilise this conference to strategise with foresight, engage with purpose, and emerge with resolutions that reflect both the aspirations of your members and the realities of our shared environment. Let us work together to protect jobs, enhance conditions of service, and strengthen the sector, not through conflict, but through cooperation,” she concluded.