FAAN is steering Nigeria’s aviation story in a new direction.
At a recent Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative meeting, FAAN Managing Director Mrs Olubunmi Kuku outlined a major plan.
She said the authority will support two to three local airlines to become flag carriers.
Although she did not name the airlines, her direction remains clear.
Local Carriers Take Centre Stage
FAAN aims to strengthen indigenous operators and expand their global reach.
As a result, the country will rely less on a single national carrier.
For years, most Nigerian airlines have focused on domestic routes.
However, a few, including Air Peace, operate international flights.
Now, Kuku’s plan signals a shift towards stronger, globally competitive carriers.
In addition, the proposal aims to drive wider economic impact.
She explained that stronger airlines will boost both passenger and cargo traffic nationwide.
Airport Upgrades And MRO Ambitions
Meanwhile, FAAN is upgrading infrastructure across key airports.
At the busy Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, the authority is improving passenger experience.
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Furthermore, the agency is developing new cargo terminals and cold-chain systems.
These developments will support trade and improve logistics efficiency.
At the same time, Nigeria is positioning itself as a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul hub.
This move will allow the country to service aircraft locally and retain more value.
Moreover, FAAN plans to deploy advanced systems.
These include upgraded airfield lighting and the Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System to improve safety and operations.
Lessons From Nigeria Air
This shift follows the suspension of the Nigeria Air project.
The government launched the project in 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Initially, the project aimed to revive Nigerian Airways.
However, concerns soon emerged about its structure and ownership.
Ethiopian Airlines held a 49% stake in the venture, which raised concerns about foreign control and influence.
In addition, the deal assigned key management roles to the foreign partner and included financial commitments of about $112 million over three years.
By June 2023, the House of Representatives raised concerns about the process.
Consequently, authorities suspended the project.
Later, in 2024, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo placed the project on indefinite hold, while former minister Hadi Sirika faced legal scrutiny.
Keyamo criticised the arrangement for favouring the foreign partner.
He argued that it shifted risks away from Nigeria.
Against this backdrop, FAAN now shifts its strategy.
It focuses on building multiple strong local airlines instead of one national carrier.
