The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has revealed that N580 billion is urgently needed to rehabilitate and upgrade runways at airports nationwide. Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, FAAN’s Managing Director, highlighted the deteriorating state of critical airport infrastructure, which is significantly affecting operational efficiency and safety.
Speaking during a tour of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, Mrs. Kuku emphasized that many airport terminals and runways were built in 1978 and are now aging, with an expected lifespan of only 20 to 25 years. This aging infrastructure, including obsolete equipment such as fire tenders, generators, and air conditioning systems, is driving up maintenance costs and reducing operational efficiency.
“Most of our facilities are in dire need of significant repairs and upgrades. This has a direct impact on both safety and efficiency, and requires a substantial investment for modernization,” Mrs. Kuku stated. She also noted that despite ongoing security improvements, FAAN faces challenges in managing security risks, especially with the rise in air travel and threats such as terrorism.
In addition to runway repairs, FAAN plans to modernize airport infrastructure by renovating terminals, expanding runways, and upgrading navigational aids. In 2025, the construction of a new headquarters for FAAN will be prioritized to improve operational efficiency. The authority is also focusing on enhancing capacity at major international airports and regional airports to meet increasing passenger and cargo demands.
Mrs. Kuku stressed the importance of deliberate, well-managed projects to avoid the haphazard and abandoned works that have plagued the sector in recent years. “The runways require major rehabilitation, and we must address this now,” she concluded.
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