Our strategies to increase passengers’ traffic – FAAN MD

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, has outlined a series of reforms and infrastructure upgrades aimed at significantly increasing passenger traffic across Nigerian airports, particularly at the country’s busiest gateway, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Speaking during an interview on CNBC Africa, Kuku explained that the […]

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, has outlined a series of reforms and infrastructure upgrades aimed at significantly increasing passenger traffic across Nigerian airports, particularly at the country’s busiest gateway, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Speaking during an interview on CNBC Africa, Kuku explained that the strategy goes beyond physical infrastructure and focuses on improving passenger experience, strengthening airline connectivity, and positioning Nigeria as a major aviation hub in Africa.

Her remarks come at a time when the federal government is pushing reforms in the aviation sector, including the transition to a modern digital payment system at airport toll gates and the ongoing rehabilitation of key airport infrastructure.

Kuku acknowledged that the implementation of FAAN’s cashless policy at airport access gates had created initial difficulties for passengers and commuters, particularly in Lagos.

According to her, the policy was first introduced in July last year and intensified in October as part of broader federal government directives aimed at reducing cash transactions in government agencies.

However, the Managing Director noted that the unique geographical setting of the Lagos airport made the transition more complicated than anticipated.

Unlike many airports located far from urban centres, she explained that the Lagos airport is surrounded by dense residential and commercial communities.

“Most international airports around the world operate within a 13-kilometre radius from surrounding communities. But the Lagos airport sits right inside populated neighbourhoods where commuters use the airport road to connect to areas like Ikeja, Oshodi and Isolo,” she explained.

Kuku revealed that FAAN had registered about 100,000 users on its contactless payment system between October and early March, with more than 62,000 registrations recorded within three days during the enforcement period.

Beyond payment reforms, Kuku noted that some of Africa’s most successful airports have built their growth around hub strategies that allow travellers to move seamlessly between destinations without making the host country their final stop.

She cited the success of airports such as O. R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport in Ethiopia and Cairo International Airport in Egypt.

“These airports are not just destinations. They serve as hubs where passengers can transit from one location to another without leaving the airport environment,” she said.

According to Kuku, Nigeria’s air travel penetration rate remains below two per cent of its population.

Increasing passenger numbers, she said, will require improvements in the broader economic environment.

“When there is more business activity, tourism and trade, you naturally see an increase in passenger movement,” she explained.