In a significant milestone for Nigeria and the African aviation industry, the managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku has been nominated to serve as the regional Advisor for Africa on the Airport Council International (ACI) World Governing Board.
Her nomination was ratified on September 20, 2024, during the ACI Africa General Assembly held in South Africa. This achievement marks a turning point not only for Ms. Kuku but also for the entire African aviation sector.
As regional advisor, Kuku will play a crucial role in shaping policies and strategies that affect airports across Africa. Representing the continent on the ACI World Governing Board, which oversees 2,100 airports and has 814 members in 169 countries, Kuku will address the unique challenges and opportunities African airports face. With her extensive experience in infrastructure finance and the aviation sector, she is well-positioned to tackle issues like infrastructure development, safety regulations and sustainable practices. Her work will enhance the efficiency and global competitiveness of African airports.
Kuku’s leadership and exceptional management of Nigerian airports have not gone unnoticed. During the ACI Africa Conference in Johannesburg, she and her team from FAAN were honored with two prestigious safety awards. These awards recognised the operational excellence of both Port Harcourt International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, further solidifying her commitment to elevating Nigeria’s aviation standards.
In response to her nomination, Kuku expressed gratitude and a vision for the future. “I am deeply honored to be elected as the regional advisor for Africa on the ACI World Governing Board,” she said. “This is not just a personal achievement but a collective victory for our nation and the African aviation sector. Together, we can foster collaboration, innovation and excellence to ensure that our airports are safe, efficient and drivers of economic growth.”
Her election comes at a pivotal time for the global aviation industry, which is navigating both challenges and opportunities in a post-pandemic era. Her leadership will be key in advocating for greater investment in Africa’s aviation infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices that align with global standards. This role will also allow her to push for policies that improve safety and operational efficiency, ensuring that African airports remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Kuku’s appointment signals a new chapter for the African aviation industry. Her advocacy on the ACI World Governing Board will ensure that the unique needs of African airports are heard, while her track record in Nigeria demonstrates her ability to implement transformative initiatives. As she embarks on this new role, Kuku remains committed to reshaping Nigeria’s aviation landscape and elevating the broader African aviation sector.
Kuku was appointed managing director and chief executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in December 2023. Her career spans both public and private sectors, with prior leadership positions at prestigious ‘big four’ organisations, including a role as Partner at Ernst & Young and work with Deloitte Consulting.
Her aviation sector expertise includes serving as a technical advisor in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and as general manager at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency. Recognised for her industry advancements, Kuku holds leadership roles in several boards and international organisations. Her background in infrastructure development and aviation safety makes her a key figure in driving growth and innovation within the aviation sector.
