The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, has expressed that the allocated N23.1bn for airport facilities’ rehabilitation and repair is inadequate. During a Channels TV program, Kuku emphasized the need for substantial capital investment in the aviation sector, particularly in airports.
FAAN manages 22 airports, with only three being profitable and subsidizing the remaining 19. The authority also supports state-owned and private airports with aviation security and fire services. Kuku highlighted that 50% of FAAN’s revenue goes to federal coffers, posing a significant challenge. To address this, FAAN is seeking relief from different government branches.
Rather than building new airports, Kuku stressed the importance of focusing on key sectors like trade, manufacturing, and tourism to boost airport traffic. FAAN is working with international organizations to expand domestic and international routes, aiming to transform Nigeria and certain airports into transit hubs. Efficient infrastructure use is crucial for the upkeep and sustainability of these facilities, considering almost 4 million passengers travel internationally from Nigeria.