Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has responded to recent criticisms surrounding her proposal of N580 billion for fixing obsolete runways across the country. She also addressed the challenges of leading reform efforts in Nigeria’s aviation sector, reiterating her commitment to doing what is right.
During a recent interview, Mrs. Kuku spoke candidly about the criticism and resistance she has faced while implementing necessary reforms in the sector. “I have stepped on toes and I am still stepping on toes, and I know that I need to do that with caution, but definitely not at the jeopardy of the airport system,” she said.
She further stated her willingness to resign if she felt that her efforts were not yielding results. “If I have to, I will step down. I will resign if I see that it is not working. But what is important is to make sure that I do what is right,” she emphasized.
Justifying the N580 Billion Proposal for Runways
Mrs. Kuku addressed criticisms regarding the proposed N580 billion required to fix and reconstruct outdated runways. She acknowledged the skepticism expressed by some Nigerians, appealing for a better understanding of the financial requirements for maintaining and upgrading aviation infrastructure.
“I would like to clarify two things. First, we have several runways across Nigeria. The Federal Government owns 22 airports, and we also support some state-owned airports. Second, many of the runways have exceeded their lifespan. The average lifespan of a runway is about 20 to 25 years, but many of our runways have been in use for 30 to over 35 years,” she explained.
She further elaborated that the N580 billion proposal covers more than 17 runways, as well as additional infrastructure, including perimeter fencing and other necessary upgrades. “What it means is that we have to reconstruct these runways to meet current standards,” she said.
Mrs. Kuku urged critics to research the cost of building and maintaining runways to appreciate the scale of the investment needed. “I have seen commentaries questioning why we need such an amount. I encourage anyone interested to simply Google what it takes to construct and maintain aviation infrastructure,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Mrs. Kuku reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s airports meet international safety and operational standards. Her leadership remains focused on addressing critical gaps in the aviation sector while navigating public scrutiny and resistance to change.
Mrs. Kuku’s bold stance underscores the complexities of managing large-scale infrastructure projects and the dedication required to bring meaningful reforms to Nigeria’s aviation industry.
