Kambari Seeks Stronger FAAN Collaboration, Drives Reform Agenda in Aviation Sector

Oru Leonard 

Lagos, April 20, 2026 — The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari, has called for deeper collaboration, operational reforms, and accelerated infrastructure development during an official visit to the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in Lagos.

According to the Spokesperson, Chindaya Ahmadu Audu Adamu, the visit, part of his ongoing familiarisation tour of agencies under the Ministry, is aimed at strengthening institutional efficiency, enhancing inter-agency synergy, and gaining firsthand insight into the operations, achievements, and challenges within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Speaking during the engagement, Kambari reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with FAAN and other aviation agencies, describing them as critical to national development and the advancement of the country’s aviation industry. He assured the Authority of continued support for its strategic vision and programmes geared toward sustainable growth.
Kambari emphasised the importance of reinstating regular top management meetings involving the Minister, Permanent Secretary, Ministry Directors, and heads of aviation agencies. According to him, such engagements would provide a structured platform to address sectoral challenges and drive practical, timely solutions.
He also highlighted plans to prioritise workforce motivation, collaboration, and operational safety, noting that a productive workforce is central to achieving optimal performance.
“We will continue to support all agencies to succeed, ensuring that Nigeria’s aviation industry remains a key economic driver and a hub of global connectivity,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary urged FAAN staff to remain dedicated and aligned with leadership objectives to effectively deliver on the Federal Government’s policy direction. He commended the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, alongside management and staff, for their contributions to sectoral growth.
Kambari also called for urgent discussions on FAAN’s pension liabilities and other operational concerns, including persistent power supply challenges, stressing the need for sustainable, government-backed solutions. He underscored the importance of continuous follow-up to ensure timely resolution of key issues.
In addition, he advocated enhanced security presence and professionalism at airport terminals nationwide.
As part of the visit, Kambari inspected the newly completed temporary terminal facility and a mobile temporary control tower.
In her remarks, FAAN Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, described the visit as timely and morale-boosting. She reaffirmed FAAN’s role in managing Federal Government-owned airports and overseeing standards across state and private airports.
Kuku outlined ongoing infrastructure projects at major facilities, including Kano, Calabar, and Sokoto airports. She also highlighted key achievements such as improved passenger experience, enhanced staff welfare, institutional culture reforms, airport recertification efforts at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, as well as digital transformation initiatives and implementation of the 1Gov platform.
However, she identified several pressing challenges facing the Authority, including funding constraints for safety-critical projects, pension liabilities estimated at ₦246 billion, manpower shortages, aging infrastructure, land encroachment, and security concerns. She also raised issues of revenue deductions and persistent power supply problems at Lagos and Abuja airports, which have led to increased operational costs.
Kuku appealed for support in constructing a second taxiway at the Abuja airport ahead of the proposed second runway project, as well as assistance in recovering FAAN-owned lands nationwide.
She expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration and government support, Nigeria’s aviation industry would continue on a path of growth and improved service delivery.