According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, N580 billion is needed to renovate the runways at airports throughout the nation.
While welcoming Ibrahim Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, on Wednesday, FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku bemoaned the condition of the nation’s runway.
According to Kuku, runways at airports that were constructed in the late 1970s are no longer functional.
She aaded that in addition to the runways, other airport facilities, such terminals, also need significant renovation, which has been compromising operational effectiveness and security.
She said, “N580bn 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 modernization. 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.”
However, the head of the FAAN pledged to update navigational aids, extend runways, and renovate terminals in order to upgrade the airports’ infrastructure.
She also made a suggestion that in 2025, FAAN’s head office construction would be prioritized in order to create “a centralized and modern facility to enhance operational efficiency.” To accommodate increasing passenger and cargo needs, priority will be given to expanding regional airport capacity and upgrading vital facilities at large international airports.
“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 about its strategic emphasis areas for 2025, Kuku stated that FAAN will concentrate on Public Private Partnerships to expand investment opportunities and improve underutilized assets in addition to using creative techniques to boost revenue.
“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 prioritize increasing its workforce strength to support growing operations and ensure employee welfare through improved working conditions, comprehensive training, and enhanced benefits,” she added.
Speaking earlier at the ceremony, Kana conveyed his strong belief in the continuous change taking place in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He credited FAAN’s strong organizational structure, which was fueled by the managing director’s guidance, for the advancement.
He did, however, pledge the ministry’s ongoing assistance to the FAAN in order to maintain the development momentum under its leadership.
“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 said.