By Sade Williams
Olubunmi Kuku, managing director, Federal Airports Authority Nigeria (FAAN), has debunked reports that airports managed by FAAN are not insured.
She did not only say the airports are insured, she disclosed that the insurance is up to date.
Recall that Edward Boyo, MD, Overland Airways had called for mandatory insurance of all airports in Nigeria.
He had argued that a significant number of accidents and aircraft damages are the direct responsibility of airport authorities, highlighting a critical gap in the nation’s aviation insurance framework.
He spoke at the 5th CHINET Aviacargo Conference in Lagos with the theme, “The Emerging Synergy Between Aviation and Insurance Industry,” on Tuesday.
Boyo expressed his surprise that industry discussions consistently focus on insuring airlines, passengers, and luggage, while overlooking what he termed the “causative factor” in many incidents: the airports themselves.
He pointed out that numerous jet aircraft have been damaged or destroyed due to failures in airport infrastructure and operations.
Boyo, who said the call has been a consensus amongst operators, condemned the poor state of many airport environments, comparing them to poorly maintained roads.
He cited specific areas of negligence, such as inadequate wildlife control, substandard runway conditions, and a general lack of “hygiene” in operational areas, all of which contribute to accidents.
Clarifying the claims by Boyo, Kuku said: ‘This was brought to my attention. Clarifying that all FGN airports managed by FAAN are insured with the insurance up to date. Derubberization and runway hygiene has been intact, the records are available. Only area I would concur are habitation and community issues that have impacted the wildlife/bird strikes and we have been working closely with relevant stakeholders to control.’
Kuku noted that rehabilitation works are on the runways, especially those that have exceeded their lifespan.
“The historical runway issues based on structural/engineering issues on some of the runways along with those exceeding their lifespan are being corrected gradually with complete overhauls and maintenance. “, she said.
