Nigeria’s Airports Make Strides: Passenger Experience Surges as Modernisation Takes Hold

The landscape of Nigeria’s airport infrastructure is experiencing a remarkable transformation, as revealed by the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku. In a recent and forthright evaluation, Mrs. Kuku rated the nation’s airports a promising 7.5 out of 10, a significant leap from the abysmal “3 or 4” she attributed to prior years. For Africa’s aviation industry leaders, this signals both a renewed ambition and a roadmap for elevating passenger experiences across the continent.

Mrs. Kuku’s comments carry particular weight, given her unique vantage point. Not only does she oversee the operational backbone of Nigeria’s aviation sector, but she is also a frequent flyer, allowing her to view progress through the lens of both administrator and customer. “I wear two hats, one as the Chief Executive of FAAN, but at the same time, I’m a traveling passenger like everybody out there. I want to be realistic about our expectations,” she remarked, setting a transparent tone for her assessment.

Central to this dramatic upturn has been an unyielding commitment to safety standards, the foundational element of any robust aviation system. Mrs. Kuku detailed sweeping safety reforms, with a particular emphasis on runway rehabilitation, the installation of modern airfield lighting, and the strategic extension of airport operating hours. Where many Nigerian airports once shuttered at sunset, at least five now welcome flights as late as 10 p.m., fundamentally increasing operational flexibility and connectivity.

This renewed focus on safety is not simply a technical milestone—it directly supports the commercial and reputational goals of the nation’s gateways. For those in Africa’s travel market, the message is clear: prioritising infrastructure that underpins safety can unlock new levels of reliability and customer confidence, key ingredients for driving aviation growth.

Once the foundation was laid, Mrs. Kuku and her team turned their attention to the passenger journey itself. “I think passenger experience is probably one of the top priority areas for a lot of our passengers. I can gladly say that the passenger experience has improved. It’s definitely not where we want to be… but I can boldly say that we can see the impact of the reforms.” This sentiment is now echoed in the visible upgrades to terminal facilities and an increased emphasis on passenger convenience.

Among the improvements are essential enhancements for travelers with disabilities, a crucial step towards inclusivity and compliance with international best practices. The initial changes may seem modest, but they symbolize a broader shift towards a more customer-centric mindset—one that African airports across the region would do well to emulate as they strive for higher standards and global recognition.

However, not all challenges have been conquered. Mrs. Kuku was candid about one of the most persistent and frustrating issues for Nigerian airports: the menace of touting. Despite notable progress, she acknowledged ongoing complaints and revealed a multi-layered crackdown, undertaken in partnership with various security agencies. The complexity of the issue became clear when investigations uncovered that some touts were, in fact, insiders—stakeholders and concessionaires operating outside their official remits.

“We’re putting in very punitive measures for all of the stakeholders and concessionaires who are actually working in places that they don’t need to be and being in the face of our travelers,” Mrs. Kuku stated. This internal cleansing is a bold move, highlighting the need for strict accountability and enforcement across all airport environments in Africa. The fight against touting is not just about aesthetics; it is about creating a secure, professional, and welcoming atmosphere that encourages both business and leisure travel.

With these efforts now bearing fruit, Mrs. Kuku was able to confidently raise her appraisal of Nigeria’s airports. “Our airports were probably about a 3 or a 4 when we started. We’re probably about a 7.5 today.” But she made it clear that this is just the beginning. Her vision is nothing short of world-class, with a target of reaching a “9, 9.5 to make sure that we’re fully 98% compliant” within the next 12 to 18 months. This commitment to continuous improvement sets a high bar for airport authorities across Africa.

For those steering the direction of Africa’s travel infrastructure, Mrs. Kuku’s tenure offers several critical takeaways. First, transformative change requires both strategic investments and a willingness to confront uncomfortable realities, from infrastructural deficits to entrenched operational inefficiencies. Second, the journey to global standards is incremental, demanding persistent effort, transparent leadership, and a sharp focus on the evolving needs of travelers. And third, the pursuit of excellence in aviation is both a national imperative and a continental opportunity—one that can redefine Africa’s role in the global travel ecosystem.

As Nigerian airports advance steadily toward international benchmarks, the ripple effects are likely to be felt far beyond their terminals. A safer, more efficient, and customer-focused airport experience strengthens the nation’s appeal as a destination, a business hub, and a transit point for millions. For the wider African aviation sector, the Nigerian example is a testament to the power of leadership, vision, and sustained reform in shaping the future of air travel on the continent.