The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has called for deeper inter-agency collaboration, effective communication, and proactive conflict management to strengthen aviation safety across Nigeria’s airports.
Speaking in Lagos at the launch of FAAN’s 2025 Aviation Safety Week, themed “Navigating Conflicts for a Safer Aviation Industry in Nigeria,” Kuku emphasised that safety in aviation extends beyond technology and infrastructure, it is equally dependent on human factors such as communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.
“Safety is our core in the aviation environment,” she said. “It is not just about systems or procedures, but how we communicate, manage stress, and resolve conflicts before they escalate.”
The FAAN boss noted that recent incidents at airport terminals revealed the need for stronger coordination and clearer chain-of-command protocols among security agencies, airlines, and airport staff. She stressed that effective collaboration was essential to maintaining order and ensuring seamless operations in high-pressure environments.
Kuku also highlighted environmental safety challenges such as encroachment, waste disposal, and tanker parking around airports, describing them as potential risks that could lead to wildlife hazards and bird strikes, particularly at busy hubs like Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
“As we continue to align with global best practices, FAAN is building a workforce that understands both the technical and human dimensions of aviation safety,” she added.
The week-long event features a road walk, a town hall meeting, and an executive stakeholder forum designed to promote dialogue on safety management systems and community engagement. FAAN is also partnering with local and state authorities to enhance airport perimeter protection and reduce risks from surrounding communities.
Kuku expressed appreciation to the media for their consistent support in spreading safety awareness and urged continued collaboration to sustain a culture of safety and professionalism across the aviation sector.
