The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has revealed that approximately N580 billion will be required to rehabilitate aging runways at airports nationwide. This disclosure was made by FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, during a tour of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, with Ibrahim Kana, the recently assigned Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
According to Kuku, most of the airport runways were constructed in the late 1970s and have significantly exceeded their intended lifespan of 20 to 25 years. She stressed that this has led to deteriorating conditions that demand immediate intervention. “The rehabilitation of these runways will cost N580 billion. Many of our airports were built in 1978, and their lifespans have long expired,” Kuku explained.
Aging Infrastructure and Operational Challenges
Beyond runway repairs, Kuku highlighted the pressing need to upgrade various outdated infrastructures, including terminal buildings, fire response vehicles, generators, and baggage conveyor systems. She noted that these obsolete systems negatively affect operational safety and efficiency while inflating maintenance costs.
Additional concerns include insufficient security at airports, encroachment on FAAN land due to the absence of perimeter fencing, and a backlog of incomplete projects.
Strategic Plans for Modernisation
To tackle these challenges, FAAN is set to implement a modernisation strategy in 2025. The plan includes renovating terminals, expanding runways, and upgrading navigational aids to align with global aviation standards. A new, centralised headquarters is also in the works to streamline operations.
The authority intends to diversify revenue streams through commercial concessions, real estate development, advertising, and enhanced cargo operations. This follows a reported N128.7 billion remittance into the Federation Account in 2024, which FAAN attributed to revenue leakages that it aims to address.
Public-Private Partnerships and Sustainability
Kuku emphasized the importance of attracting Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to maximise the potential of underutilised assets. These partnerships will also facilitate investments in advanced security systems, including biometric screening and enhanced surveillance technologies.
To ensure alignment with national and international aviation standards, FAAN plans to prioritize staff training, adopt sustainable operational practices, and modernize e-procurement systems to minimize downtime. Environmental sustainability initiatives, such as energy-efficient systems, waste management, and carbon reduction measures, are also part of FAAN’s blueprint.
Commitment to Meeting Growing Demands
Kuku reaffirmed FAAN’s dedication to improving critical infrastructure at major international airports while enhancing the capacity of regional airports to accommodate rising passenger and cargo traffic. She stressed the importance of addressing haphazard renovations and unfinished projects. “We must approach this with intentionality. The runways, in particular, require significant rehabilitation to ensure safety and efficiency,” she stated.
Through these efforts, FAAN aims to position Nigeria’s airports as competitive hubs in the global aviation landscape while fostering economic growth and sustainability.
