The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has revealed that it requires a sum of N580 billion for the rehabilitation of airport runways across the country.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, lamented the state of the runway in the country today while receiving the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ibrahim Kana, reports The PUNCH.
Kuku stated that airports’ runways which were built in the late 70s have outlived their lifespan.
She added that aside from the runways, other airports’ infrastructures such as terminals also needed major rehabilitation which has been affecting operational efficiency and safety.
She said, “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 ageing and in need of significant repairs and upgrades.
“This affects operational efficiency and safety and necessitates substantial investment for modernisation.
“Also, 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 the lack of a 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.”
The FAAN boss, however, promised to modernize the airports’ infrastructure by renovating terminals, expanding runways, and upgrading navigational aids.
She further hinted that the building of a befitting head office for FAAN will also be given priority in 2025 to provide “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.
Speaking on its strategic focus areas for 2025, apart from adopting innovative strategies to increase revenue, Kuku added that FAAN will also focus on Public Private Partnerships to expand investment opportunities and develop underutilized assets.
“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 and 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.
Meanwhile, speaking earlier at the event, Kana expressed strong confidence in the ongoing transformation within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He attributed the progress to the solid structural framework at FAAN, driven by the leadership of its managing director.
He, however, promised the ministry’s continuous support for the FAAN, for its management to sustain the momentum of development.
“The aviation sector demands constant innovation and expertise and that is why I am urging everyone to put on their thinking caps and contribute to improving the system. Together, we can elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry to global standards,” Ibrahim stated.
