The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, has defended her controversial statement about the N580 billion needed for the upgrade of obsolete runways in the country, while also threatening to resign if she becomes dissatisfied with her role. Kuku made these statements in a television interview on Thursday evening, which has sparked widespread discussions across Nigeria.
Kuku, who has been in charge of FAAN for a period marked by both praise and criticism, revealed that the N580 billion was necessary to address the deteriorating condition of Nigeria’s airport infrastructure. She explained that the figure was not just for runway repairs but also covered other essential upgrades, such as perimeter fencing and taxiway expansions.
The FAAN MD acknowledged the criticisms that followed her announcement, with many questioning why such a large amount of money was needed. However, she remained firm in her stance, urging the public to understand the scale and cost of aviation infrastructure maintenance.
“Let me clarify,” Kuku said. “We have 22 federal airports and also support some state-owned airports. Many of the runways in these airports have far exceeded their expected lifespan. The typical lifespan of a runway is around 20 to 25 years, but many of our runways have been in use for 30 to 35 years.”
According to Kuku, the need to reconstruct these runways is urgent, and the N580 billion will be spread over 17 runways across the country. While she acknowledged that the figure seemed large, she pointed out that it was necessary to ensure the safety and sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation system.
“These are not just repairs, but major upgrades that include new runways, taxiway expansions, and enhanced security measures. It’s an investment into the future of our aviation sector,” she explained. “If people are questioning the amount, I encourage them to research the costs involved in constructing and maintaining airport infrastructure globally.”
Kuku’s comments came in response to a flood of public questions and criticisms about the N580 billion figure, which many considered excessive. However, Kuku remained undeterred, emphasizing the importance of addressing Nigeria’s aging aviation infrastructure before it causes more significant problems.
During the interview, Kuku also took time to reflect on her first 100 days in office, highlighting improvements made at Nigerian airports. She mentioned that one of her primary focuses had been restoring cleanliness and order at the country’s airports.
“We’ve spent too much time talking about the decay in our airports. It is time to start fixing things, and that is exactly what we’ve been doing,” Kuku said. “Over the past 90 days, if you’ve been a frequent traveler, you would have noticed that our airports are cleaner and more pleasant to be in. We’ve worked hard to make Nigerian aerodromes more welcoming.”
Despite these successes, Kuku acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges faced by the agency was the continuity of projects. She noted that with every change in administration, there is a tendency to abandon ongoing projects, which creates setbacks in long-term development goals.
“Continuity is key. We need to ensure that whatever projects we start are carried on by the next administration. This has been one of the biggest challenges we’ve faced,” Kuku said.
She also mentioned that she had made tough decisions that involved “stepping on toes,” but she reiterated that her actions were driven by the goal of improving the country’s aviation system.
“If I have to step down, I will. I have always said that I will leave the job if I feel it is not working. But what is most important is to do the right thing for the aviation industry. We cannot let the system continue to deteriorate.”
In a statement that seemed both defiant and candid, Kuku made it clear that her passion for transforming Nigeria’s aviation sector meant that she would not shy away from making unpopular decisions. Her firm position was that the N580 billion would be well spent on bringing Nigeria’s airports into the modern age, making them safer, more efficient, and more attractive to international travelers.
The controversy surrounding Kuku’s remarks about the N580 billion follows a series of issues related to the state of Nigeria’s airports. The country’s aviation infrastructure has long faced criticism for being outdated and underfunded. The average age of most Nigerian airport runways exceeds their expected lifespan, leading to concerns about safety. The Federal Government has expressed interest in investing in aviation infrastructure, but many Nigerians are skeptical about the allocation and management of funds.
In recent years, the Nigerian aviation sector has struggled with several challenges, including safety concerns, inadequate facilities, and limited funding for development. In addition to runway repairs, Kuku’s administration has faced scrutiny over other aspects of airport management, including delays, overcrowding, and poor customer service.
Kuku’s tenure at FAAN has been marked by both efforts to modernize the industry and criticisms regarding the pace of reforms. Many Nigerians are waiting to see if her promises of upgrades will translate into tangible improvements in the country’s aviation infrastructure.
As the debate continues, Kuku has vowed to continue pushing for the necessary changes, even if it means facing more opposition. She has made it clear that her priority is to ensure that Nigeria’s airports meet international standards, and she is determined to make the tough decisions required to achieve that goal.
“If I step on toes, it’s because I’m trying to do what’s right for the system,” Kuku said. “At the end of the day, my responsibility is to the Nigerian people, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure that our airports are safe, efficient, and ready for the future.”
For now, it seems that Kuku’s determination to bring about positive change in Nigeria’s aviation sector is unwavering, despite the challenges and criticisms she continues to face. Whether her plans for the N580 billion runway upgrade will gain public approval remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Kuku is prepared to fight for her vision of a modern, world-class aviation system in Nigeria.
