From vision to reality: Olubunmi Kuku’s achievements at FAAN

When Olubunmi Kuku assumed the role of Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in December 18, 2023, the aviation industry was abuzz with anticipation.

As the first female MD of FAAN, Kuku faced immense pressure to deliver results and address the sector’s long-standing challenges. However, in a remarkably short period, she has proven herself to be a visionary leader, driving transformative changes that have upgraded airports, reduced touting and corruption, and enhanced passenger experience.

A new era of airport security

One of Kuku’s earliest initiatives was the launch of ‘Operation AirClean,’ a comprehensive program aimed at tackling touting, passenger harassment, and unprofessional conduct at Nigerian airports.

The operation includes a task force to enforce discipline, inter-agency cooperation, and plans for on-site magistrate courts to expedite legal action.

This bold move has significantly improved the airport environment, making it more secure and efficient for passengers.

The task force has been instrumental in maintaining a culture of professionalism among airport staff, and the results are evident in the improved passenger experience.

When Kuku came onboard, she met with heads of all security agencies operating at the airport in a bid to address long standing issues of touting and passenger harassment.

During a meeting with security agencies at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, Kuku said that the meeting was aimed to strengthen collaboration among agencies, streamline passenger search processes, and enhance the overall travel experience, while completely eliminating extortion, harassment, and touting activities.

She ordered the immediate dismantling of search tables at screening points and mandated that technology be leveraged to reduce manual searches and improve interactions with passengers.

Cutting-edge technology for enhanced security

Under Kuku’s leadership, FAAN has deployed state-of-the-art AI-powered security machines, including the Orion 927DX, which can detect explosives and narcotics in real-time. These machines have replaced manual searches, reducing delays and eliminating harassment.

The new technology has also enabled security agents to work more efficiently, with each agent having their own monitor to scrutinize passenger baggage. This has not only improved security but also enhanced the overall passenger experience. The machines have features that help with identification of organic materials accurately and quickly, either in range mode or Interactive mode.

Upgrade of Lagos airport’s Hajj terminal

Under Kuku, the Lagos airport’s Hajj terminal, located at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, (MMA2) has undergone a remarkable transformation, providing a world-class experience for pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey to Saudi Arabia.

The terminal boasts a modern and sleek design, with facilities that rival those of international airports. The new screening machines, cubicles for immigration and security personnel, and improved seating areas for pilgrims are just a few examples of the terminal’s enhanced infrastructure.

One of the standout features of the terminal is the separate waiting halls for males and females, each with a capacity of 3,000 pilgrims. This innovative design ensures that pilgrims can move through the terminal with ease, without the chaos and congestion that often characterised previous Hajj operations.

The terminal is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including air conditioning, LED displays, and CCTV cameras, to ensure the comfort and security of pilgrims. The LED displays provide important information and announcements, while the CCTV cameras monitor the terminal, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.

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The terminal has implemented contactless processes, including automated machines and separate areas for different activities, to minimize interactions between pilgrims and staff. This not only enhances the efficiency of the terminal but also reduces the risk of errors and misunderstandings.

The terminal now has a capacity to accommodate approximately 6,000 pilgrims, including males and females. This is a significant increase from previous years, and Adedayo attributes it to the terminal’s modern infrastructure and efficient processes.

Training and development for excellence

Kuku has prioritized staff training and development, recognizing that a well-trained workforce is essential to delivering world-class services. Over 3,000 FAAN personnel have been trained under her leadership, including 1,593 AVSEC personnel who have undergone professional training and retraining in various specialist areas.

The Directorate of Aviation Security Services has also completed professional training and retraining of AVSEC personnel, and repositioned ICAO ASTC-Lagos for effective delivery of International AVSEC courses.

Infrastructure development and passenger experience

Kuku’s tenure has seen significant infrastructure upgrades, including the renovation of the Lagos airport’s Hajj terminal, which now provides a world-class experience for pilgrims. The terminal features modern amenities, contactless processes, and enhanced security measures, making it a model for other airports in Nigeria. Other notable projects include:

Rehabilitation of Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport airfield lighting system, improvement of street lights from GAT access road to the domestic car park and improved lights at the VIP/Staff car park, rehabilitation of taxiway alfa 4 intersection and presidential air fleet apron and taxiway,
renovation of staff quarters and construction of security cubicle at Gate 1B and installation of security cameras and falling anti-climb device.

Other infrastructure upgrade include deployment of a new multi-storey car park and commencement of car parking operations, supply of CNG buses to enhance passenger movement on the apron, rehabilitation of domestic terminal (Modules B and D) toilets, expansion of Bill Clinton drive (Access Road) into six lanes on both sides and a roundabout to ease vehicular traffic and access transfer from ITZ/DTZ to GAT and construction of access road to connect ITZ to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)/NIMET and General Aviation Terminal

Integrated Cargo Stakeholder Registration (ICSR) Project

FAAN is undertaking the Integrated Cargo Stakeholder Registration (ICSR) project, a pivotal national initiative designed to introduce structure, security, and accountability to the cargo ecosystem at FAAN-owned airports.

The ICSR serves as a centralized digital registry that captures and verifies every stakeholder operating within cargo terminals.

Revenue generation and remittance

Under Kuku’s leadership, FAAN has demonstrated a commitment to transparency and accountability in its financial operations.

In 2024, the Authority remitted a total of N112,821,836,050.84 as contribution from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and N281,881,317.34 as remittance on one percent stamp duty to the Consolidated Revenue Funds Account (CRF).

Cumulatively, for the period of 2020-2024, FAAN remitted a total of N218,335,247,877.87 from IGR and N352,263,212.34 on percent stamp duty, showcasing the Authority’s significant contribution to the nation’s revenue.

Staff Welfare and Employee Engagement

Kuku has demonstrated a commitment to staff welfare, recognizing that a happy workforce is essential to delivering exceptional services. She has implemented the new minimum wage and paid arrears to FAAN employees.

Way forward

Stakeholders in the aviation sector have continued to commend innovations of Kuku. While they say there are still room for improvement, they insist that Kuku’s efforts to upgrade infrastructures across airports in Nigeria have continued to be deliberate and strategic.

Olumide Ohunayo, industry analyst and Director, Research, Zenith Travels, told BusinessDay that Kuku’s ability to respond to consumer complaints and criticism is what stands out for her.

“Once there’s an issue, she quickly dispatches men and staff to see how they can bring some relief. Also, the coordination with the agencies and the minister is top-notch. There are a lot of things on the ground that she has met and she needs to work on. She’s still working on it,” Ohunayo said.

He said in recent times, FAAN has always been seen to take actions.

In proffering lasting solutions to infrastructure challenges, he suggested FAAN should avoid fire brigade approach to solving problems but rather plan for the future.

“Right now, it’s not within the powers of the MD to take certain decisions because they still have to report to the ministry. The ministry also is reporting to the federal government and they stay back and forth between concessioning or allowing the airport to be owned by FAAN. These are the kind of things that disrupt planning and disrupt budgeting. You can see in the last three years now, the norm for some state airports are to just build airports and hand it over to the government.

“What do FAAN do? They have no choice but to accept it as an order from above, and they will have to settle that problem with the existing problem. All this makes budgeting and planning very difficult for the organisation,” Ohunayo said.