FAAN Boss Declares Readiness to Resign if Necessary Amid Infrastructure Crisis
2 min read
The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, has expressed her willingness to step down from her position if the pressures of the role hinder her ability to implement meaningful reforms in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Kuku made the statement during an interview on Television Continental on Thursday, where she addressed questions about her leadership, criticisms of her budgetary requests, and her vision for the country’s airports.
“If I am tired, I will get out of the job,” Kuku said. “I have stepped on toes and will continue to do so, albeit with caution. But this will never be at the expense of the airport system. If I find that the system isn’t working, I’ll step down. What’s most important is doing what is right.”
Her remarks follow a wave of criticism regarding her claim that N580 billion is needed to overhaul obsolete airport runways across the country. Kuku defended the figure, urging sceptics to consider the scale of infrastructure decay and the associated costs of repairs.
“We have 22 airports owned by the Federal Government, with some additional support provided to state-owned facilities,” she explained. “Many of our runways have exceeded their 20-to-25-year lifespan, with some surpassing 30 to 35 years. The N580 billion covers the reconstruction of over 17 runways, perimeter fencing, and related upgrades. Those questioning the cost should research what it takes to build runways, taxiways, and other critical aviation infrastructure.”
Kuku dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement, appealing for a better understanding of the complexities involved in maintaining functional airports. “Look it up on Google,” she quipped, “and you’ll see the true costs of runway construction and expansion.”
Reflecting on her first 100 days in office, Kuku highlighted the progress made in improving the state of Nigerian airports. “We’ve spent far too long lamenting the decay. It’s time to focus on fixing things,” she said. “If you’ve travelled recently, you’ll have noticed cleaner, more welcoming airports. That’s just the beginning.”
She acknowledged the broader challenge of ensuring continuity in government projects, emphasising the importance of long-term planning. “The biggest challenge we face is that with each new administration, there’s a tendency to abandon ongoing projects. We need to change that.”
Kuku’s tenure at FAAN has been marked by an unflinching commitment to addressing the sector’s deep-rooted problems, but her comments signal a readiness to step aside if systemic obstacles render her efforts unfeasible. For now, however, her focus remains firmly on driving much-needed reforms in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
About The Author
