The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has revealed that it requires N580 billion for the renovation of airports runways across the nation.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, who disclosed this during a tour of Lagos airport facilities with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ibrahim Kana on 15th January , 2025 said the airports’ runways were constructed about 20- 25 years ago and due for renovation.
Kuku explained that most of FAAN’s facilities, including terminals and runways, are obsolete and in need of significant repairs and upgrade.According to her, this affects operational efficiency and safety, and necessitates substantial investment for modernization.
She disclosed that a new and befitting headquarter of FAAN will be constructed in 2025 as rehabilitation of major international airports and enhancing regional airport capacity to meet growing passenger and cargo demands will be a priority.
The FAAN MD noted that the airport facilities and equipment to be acquired are of international standard.
She also revealed that the Authority aims at increasing its revenue for 2025 through commercial concessions, advertising, real estate development, and cargo operations.She explained that N128.7 billion was remitted into the nation’s account in 2024, and that reduction in revenue leakages in 2024 led to about 93% in Net inflows compared to 2023.
“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.
“Many of FAAN’s facilities, including terminals and runways, are aging and in need of significant repairs and upgrades. This affects operational efficiency and safety, and necessitates substantial investment for modernization. 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, 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.
“FAAN plans to modernize 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 centralized 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.
“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 prioritize increasing its workforce strength to support growing operations and ensure employee welfare through improved working conditions, comprehensive training, and enhanced benefits,” she said.
