FAAN requires N3trn to overhaul airports, address critical infrastructure deficits
BY CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO
Indications are rife that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would need over N3 trillion to tackle many of the country’s infrastructure deficits.
Without these upgrades, the industry risks continued operational bottlenecks, reduced safety margins, and diminished passenger confidence.
An aviation expert and a top official of FAAN who pleaded anonymity said that addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts among stakeholders.
He added that investments in airport infrastructure, particularly airfield lighting and navigation systems, are essential.
He reiterated that the integration of advanced weather forecasting technologies will further enhance resilience during adverse conditions.
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Moreover, adopting a collaborative approach among aviation bodies, government agencies, and private investors he noted can accelerate progress, adding that as climate change intensifies the frequency of severe weather events, these solutions become increasingly vital for the industry’s growth and stability.
Nigeria’s aviation network includes 21 airports under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), yet only seven are equipped for 24-hour operations.
These airports are Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt; Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano; Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu; Kaduna Airport, Kaduna; and Benin Airport, Benin City.
The lack of airfield lighting and instrumentation in other airports frequently leads to flight delays, cancellations, and financial losses. Passenger dissatisfaction also increases as airlines struggle to maintain seamless operations beyond daylight hours. A representative from FAAN noted, “Enhancing our airport infrastructure is vital to minimizing these disruptions.”
Weather, particularly during harmattan haze and rainy seasons, significantly disrupts flight schedules. These periods are marked by poor visibility, affecting both day and night operations.
The limited number of airports equipped with advanced lighting and navigation systems exacerbates these issues.
Airlines must often reroute or delay flights, compounding financial losses and operational inefficiencies. Advanced meteorological tools and contingency plans are urgently needed to mitigate these disruptions.
Globally, weather-related challenges remain a critical focus for aviation bodies. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has introduced guidelines to enhance runway visibility and improve safety during adverse weather.
Similarly, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) advocates for predictive tools to help airlines manage disruptions more effectively.
In Nigeria, the lack of advanced weather forecasting systems poses additional hurdles, necessitating collaboration between airlines, government agencies, and meteorological services.
Notably, Nigeria’s aviation faces challenges due to limited regional responses to these pressing issues.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and FAAN have concluded plans to impose a “No Fly List”, on unruly passengers who destroy operational facilities and attack airline personnel at airports across the country on account of delayed or canceled flights.
The authorities said as much they are not in support of airlines violating the rights of passengers, experiencing either delay or cancellation of their flights should be used as a license to carry out wanton destruction of airport facilities or invasion of the airside to disrupt aircraft movement.
