Nigeria needs N580bn investment to rehabilitate airports’ runways

• ‘70s’ runways outlived lifespan, says FAAN chief

Sade Williams/Business a.m.

Olubunmi Kuku, managing director, FAAN, and Ibrahim Kana, permanent secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, at Lagos Airport, recently

Nigerian airport runways across the country require investment of N580 billion for their rehabilitation, the government agency with responsibility for airport management, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has disclosed.

Olubunmi Kuku, FAAN’s managing director and chief executive officer, told visiting Ibrahim Kana, recently redeployed permanent secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during a tour of Lagos airport facilities, that the airports’ runways which were built in the late 1970s have outlived their life span.

“N580 billion is required to fix runways across all airports, their life span is between 20 to 25 years but most of the airports were built in 1978,” she said.

According to her, many of FAAN’s facilities, including terminals and runways, are aging and in need of significant repairs and upgrades, noting that this affects operational efficiency and safety, and necessitates substantial investment for modernisation.

Kuku also said that despite efforts to enhance security at airports, FAAN continues to face challenges in managing security risks, particularly with the increase in air travel and the potential for terrorist activities or other threats at key airport locations.

On land encroachment, she said due to lack of perimeter fence, the Authority landmass is constantly being encroached on all over the country.

“Obsolete equipment such as old fire tenders, generators, air conditioning systems conveyor lines with worn-out slats, belts and motors, can be found in many airports that have low efficiency and have high maintenance cost,” she said.

Kuku however said “FAAN plans to modernise airport infrastructure by renovating terminals, expanding runways, and upgrading navigational aids. In 2025, the construction of a new and befitting headquarters for FAAN will also be a top priority, providing a centralised and modern facility to enhance operational efficiency. Priority will be given to improving critical facilities at major international airports and enhancing regional airport capacity to meet growing passenger and cargo demands.

“We need to be deliberate about it. So many haphazard jobs and abandoned projects at the airports. The runways require major rehabilitation,” she said.

The FAAN chief also disclosed that the Authority plans to increase its revenue for 2025 by adopting innovative strategies to increase non-aeronautical revenue streams, such as commercial concessions, advertising, real estate development, and cargo operations.

Kuku, who disclosed that N128.7 billion was remitted into the federation account in 2024, noted that reduction in revenue leakages in 2024 led to about 93 percent in net inflows compared to 2023.

While listing the challenges of the Authority, she lamented that they have impacted its efficiency and operational capacity.

Speaking on FAAN’s strategic focus areas for 2025, apart from adopting innovative strategies to increase revenue,  Kuku said that the Authority will also focus on public private partnership to expand investment opportunities and develop underutilized assets.

To ensure compliance with global standards, Kuku disclosed that FAAN will invest in state-of-the-art security systems, including biometric screening and advanced surveillance technologies.

“Staff training on aviation security and safety procedures will be intensified to address emerging challenges and risks in the industry. FAAN will upgrade and maintain e-procurement systems to reduce technical downtimes. We plan to align FAAN’s goals with national aviation policies and international standards.

“FAAN will integrate environmentally sustainable practices into its operations, focusing on energy efficiency, waste management, and carbon emission reductions. The Authority will collaborate with industry stakeholders to adopt green airport initiatives and promote environmental stewardship. FAAN will prioritise increasing its workforce strength to support growing operations and ensure employee welfare through improved working conditions, comprehensive training, and enhanced benefits,” she added.