The new Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmni Kuku, has expressed commitment to enhancing revenue generation and reducing wastage across the country’s airports.
Speaking after taking over from her predecessor, Kabir Mohammed, through the FAAN Secretary/Legal Adviser, Barr. Bridget Gold, in Lagos on Monday, Kuku said her mission extends beyond overseeing airport transport infrastructure to boosting both aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenues for the Agency.
She underscored the importance of professionalism, particularly in security, safety, and standards.
According to her, the priority was to provide passengers with an airport experience that is efficient, safe, secure, and enjoyable, achieved through the implementation of the right infrastructure.
“I also want to make sure we continue to consolidate on the foundation that has been built by the previous management and together we will make FAAN a greater institution that it is already and we will continue to be compared to international standards by improving the safety and protocol and the infrastructure that we have on ground,” she stated.
In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda outlined by President Bola Tinubu administration, Kuku expressed her dedication to working within the policy and program directions set by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who serves as the political head of the sector.
She called for the cooperation and collaboration of FAAN staff, emphasising performance checks and monitoring with the possibility of initiating a reset if necessary.
“Staff welfare would also continue to be a priority but I do expect that the staff will be committed to putting in their best, it is only a team that is efficient, that is taken care of that I know would continue to optimise and I expect the very best from you. I will do my part, but I expect you to do the same,” Kuku added.
The newly appointed FAAN managing director also expressed readiness to tackle the challenges passengers go through at the airports during the festive seasons head-on.
She said, “There is an urgency of yesterday in revving up our operations as we have fully entered the busiest season of the year for airline operations. To this end, we shall be interfacing with the various professional interests, sister agencies and partners to ensure we have smooth, safe and secure operations throughout the season. Let us do our jobs with patriotism and a smile on our faces, spreading the joy of the Yuletide,” she further said.
Kuku, therefore, pledged to collaborate with both national and international stakeholders to enhance Nigeria’s image and strengthen FAAN’s network.