Nigeria’s airports are teetering on the brink of a crisis, with deteriorating infrastructure posing significant risks to both operational efficiency and safety, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The authority has called for a staggering N580 billion investment to rehabilitate runways and overhaul other critical facilities nationwide.
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of FAAN, made the alarming revelation on Tuesday during a comprehensive tour of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, alongside Dr. Ibrahim Kana, the new permanent secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. During the tour, Mrs. Kuku highlighted the dire state of Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, noting that much of the country’s airport facilities were built over 40 years ago and are now in urgent need of modernization.
“Our airports are decaying, and the situation is critical. FAAN estimates that it would require approximately N580 billion to repair and modernize the runways across the country,” Kuku said. “Many of these facilities were built back in 1978, and their lifespan was initially projected at just 20 to 25 years. We are now far beyond that, and it is impacting safety, security, and operational efficiency.”
Aging Infrastructure, Mounting Safety Risks
According to FAAN, the ageing infrastructure of Nigeria’s airports is not only a logistical issue but a safety concern. Runways across the country are now considered hazardous due to wear and tear, and the lack of modern navigation aids could lead to catastrophic consequences if not addressed.
In her comments, Kuku drew attention to the fact that the lack of perimeter fencing around many airports is allowing encroachment of FAAN’s landmass, further complicating efforts to secure airport grounds and ensure safety.
“Our airports have been left vulnerable to encroachment, with no effective security barriers in place,” Kuku said. “This is happening at a time when the world is seeing increased air traffic and rising concerns over potential security threats, including terrorism. We are doing all we can, but without proper funding and the right support, our efforts will not be enough to safeguard passengers and staff alike.”
FAAN has also been grappling with obsolete equipment across many airports. Outdated fire tenders, worn-out conveyor belts, old air-conditioning systems, and faulty generators have created high maintenance costs and contributed to inefficiencies that further jeopardize the overall airport experience. The situation is exacerbated by the persistent issue of revenue leakages, which, though slightly mitigated in 2024, continue to undermine the authority’s financial stability.
Investment in Airport Overhaul
Mrs. Kuku revealed that FAAN is currently developing a comprehensive plan to address these issues, which includes an ambitious upgrade of key airport terminals and expansion of runways. This initiative is expected to be a multi-year, nationwide effort, with priority given to the country’s international hubs like Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt.
One of the immediate goals for 2025, according to Kuku, is the construction of a new, modern headquarters for FAAN, which would centralize operations and help streamline decision-making processes. This project, along with other key infrastructure upgrades, will require substantial funding from both the federal government and private sector investments.
“Our plans are robust, but the key challenge remains funding,” Kuku noted. “For example, the expansion and rehabilitation of runways alone require a total of N580 billion. Without these upgrades, Nigeria’s aviation sector risks stagnation and even disasters.”
Kuku emphasized that while FAAN is committed to ensuring airports meet international standards, the authority’s efforts will be futile without a sustained, large-scale investment.
“It’s not just about adding a few new terminals or patching up runways. We need a total overhaul. And we need to be deliberate about it—no more haphazard jobs or abandoned projects,” she added.
Security and Passenger Experience: A Dual Challenge
The state of security in Nigerian airports has been another point of concern. Although the government has implemented measures to improve safety protocols, including the installation of CCTV cameras and the hiring of additional security personnel, the effectiveness of these efforts is often undermined by inadequate infrastructure.
Kuku, who has spent decades in the aviation industry, stressed that without modernizing the country’s airports, including strengthening perimeter security and improving surveillance, Nigeria’s aviation sector could become a target for increasingly sophisticated terrorist activities.
“Security is a major issue we are grappling with at FAAN. The facilities just aren’t up to standard. And the reality is that, with increasing global threats, Nigeria cannot afford to remain complacent,” Kuku warned.
Moreover, the aging terminals and outdated passenger amenities are also contributing to a poor customer experience, which could deter both local and international travelers from flying with Nigerian carriers.
“Travelers are becoming more discerning. They expect modern facilities, seamless check-ins, and smooth connections. But what we offer right now is far from that,” Kuku admitted. “We are losing out to better-equipped airports in neighboring countries. It’s time to catch up.”
Revenue Boost and Increased Investment Needs
Despite the daunting challenges, FAAN has shown some improvement in its financial performance. In 2024, the agency remitted N128.7 billion into the federal treasury, an increase of 93% in net inflows. However, the revenue boost is not enough to cover the massive investment required to revamp the airports.
Kuku stressed that even with the uptick in revenue, FAAN’s financial capacity remains stretched thin due to the ongoing costs of airport operations and maintenance.
“Yes, we’ve made strides in increasing revenue, but it’s still not enough to fund the modernization efforts we need. If we are to avoid a disaster, the federal government must step in with the necessary funding,” Kuku concluded.
Calls for Urgent Action
As the government and relevant stakeholders deliberate on solutions, the clock is ticking for Nigeria’s airports. The FAAN MD is calling for a unified approach that includes strategic investments in both infrastructure and human capital, ensuring that the country’s aviation sector remains competitive and safe for years to come.
“The time for piecemeal fixes is over,” Kuku said, her voice firm. “We need a clear, actionable plan, and we need it now. If we wait any longer, it could be too late.”
