FAAN says N580bn needed to repair aging runways

… unveils 2025 modernisation plans

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said that the rehabilitation of runways across the country’s airports will cost the federal government N580 billion.

This was disclosed by Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director, FAAN during a tour of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos facilities by Ibrahim Kana, the newly redeployed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

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Kuku highlighted that many of the country’s airport runways, built in the late 1970s, have outlived their 20–25-year lifespan. She stated, “N580 billion is required to fix runways across all airports. Their lifespan is between 20 to 25 years, but most of the airports were built in 1978,”

She further emphasized the urgent need to upgrade FAAN’s aging infrastructure, including terminals, fire tenders, generators, and conveyor systems, which have become inefficient and costly to maintain. “Obsolete equipment, such as old fire tenders and worn-out conveyor lines, significantly impact operational efficiency and safety,” Kuku added.

Kuku also pointed out other pressing challenges, such as inadequate security measures amid increasing air travel, risks of encroachment on FAAN land due to the absence of perimeter fencing, and the need to address the persistent issue of abandoned projects.

To address these challenges, the Authority has unveiled plans to modernize airport infrastructure in 2025. These include renovating terminals, expanding runways, and upgrading navigational aids to meet global standards. Additionally, FAAN aims to construct a new, centralized headquarters in 2025 to enhance operational efficiency.

The MD also outlined innovative strategies to boost revenue. FAAN plans to diversify its income streams through commercial concessions, advertising, real estate development, and cargo operations.

According to her, These efforts come in light of a reported N128.7 billion remittance into the Federation Account in 2024, a significant reduction attributed to revenue leakages.

As part of its 2025 strategic priorities, FAAN aims to attract Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to develop underutilized assets and invest in cutting-edge security systems, such as biometric screening and advanced surveillance technologies.

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The Authority also plans to intensify staff training on aviation security, align its goals with national and international aviation policies, and integrate environmentally sustainable practices into its operations.

FAAN’s modernization blueprint includes energy efficiency, waste management, and carbon emissions reduction initiatives. The agency also plans to enhance employee welfare, increase workforce strength, and maintain e-procurement systems to reduce technical downtimes.

Kuku reiterated FAAN’s commitment to improving critical facilities at major international airports and enhancing regional airport capacity to meet growing passenger and cargo demands. “We need to be deliberate about it. So many haphazard jobs and abandoned projects at the airports. The runways require major rehabilitation,” she stated.