FAAN Advocates 3 Indigenous Airlines As National Flag Carriers

The managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, has called for deliberate support for two to three indigenous airlines to emerge as Nigeria’s national flag carriers, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s aviation sector and boost its global competitiveness.

Kuku made this known during the first-quarter Business Breakfast Meeting of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative, according to a post shared on FAAN’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday.

“Earlier today, at the Q1 Business Breakfast Meeting of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative, Kuku emphasised strategic support for 2–3 Nigerian airlines to become National Flag Carriers, a move expected to boost passenger and cargo traffic,” the post read.

She explained that nurturing strong local carriers with the capacity to operate at a national level would unlock significant economic value across Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, while enhancing connectivity and trade.

Kuku noted that the initiative aligns with broader reforms being implemented by FAAN to modernise airport infrastructure and improve passenger experience nationwide.

Highlighting ongoing projects, she pointed to continuous upgrades at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, as well as plans to develop modern cargo terminals and cold-chain systems to support the growth of air freight operations.

“We are also working to position Nigeria as a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul hub, so that more value is retained within the country,” she said.

The FAAN boss further disclosed plans to deploy advanced technologies, including upgraded airfield lighting systems and the Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS), to improve safety and operational efficiency across airports.

“These initiatives are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem and support growing demand across passenger and cargo segments,” Kuku added.

She stressed that sustained investment in infrastructure, alongside targeted support for indigenous airlines, would be critical to building a more resilient and competitive aviation industry in Nigeria.