News Investigators/ The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has set up a special committee to drive Public/Private Partnerships (PPPs) for the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed this at the Airport 2025 Business Summit and Expo in keja on Thursday.
The FAAN boss was represented by the Director of Special Duties at FAAN, Mr Henry Agbebire.
Mrs Kuku said that the Federal Government had made giant strides in recent years toward creating an enabling environment for PPPs in the aviation sector.
According to her, FAAN is focusing on creating more opportunities for investment, modernisation and innovation through strategic partnerships.
Mrs Kuku said that infrastructure development and upgrades, operational efficiency, technology and innovation, financial sustainability and job creation, and economic growth should be considered under such partnerships.
“Airports are more than just gateways to and from a nation; they are vital engines of economic growth. They are hubs of commerce, transportation, tourism and connectivity.
“In many countries, the development and modernisation of airports are considered a cornerstone of national infrastructure development.
“For Nigeria, a country with an expanding population and rapidly growing middle class, airports play an even more pivotal role,” she said.
Mrs Kuku said that Nigeria’s aviation industry contributed significantly to the nation’s gross domestic product, providing jobs, supporting trade and tourism, and enabling both local and international business transactions.
According to her, to truly unlock the full potential of the sector, modern, efficient and sustainable practices must be encouraged.
“The vastness and untapped potential of our market make Nigeria an attractive destination for airport development and investment.
“Our airports, especially in cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano, have immense capacity for growth.
“We believe there are several key areas where the private sector can bring a transformative change.”
She listed such areas as terminal management and retail development, cargo and logistics services, airside infrastructure and ground handling services, airport security and surveillance systems, sustainability projects, and waste management.
Mrs Kuku reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to ensuring that the PPP arrangements would be clear, fair, transparent and impactful.
“We have already embarked on several PPP projects, and we continue to explore new models that can drive growth and innovation.
“We must embrace innovation, foster collaboration and create frameworks that will allow us to reach our goals together,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi, during a panel session, urged the Federal Government to look into multiple taxation on indigenous airlines and to stop their collapse.
Sanusi said that too much taxes on airlines would hamper aviation industry growth.
“As stakeholders, we have to come together to look at the problem. We have to sincerely look at the problem.
“As of now, airlines pay for everything and there will be a time when we will not be able to do that again.
“We must make sure that we give airlines break and see how they can survive,” he said.
NAN