When Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, speaks about what ACI Leadership means to Nigeria and the region, her tone is calm yet determined.
She recognizes the immense work ahead for Nigeria’s airports but also sees the importance of ensuring recognition both across Africa and globally. For her, that recognition comes through active representation on the boards of prestigious institutions like Airports Council International.
“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done within our airport environment in Nigeria,” she admitted. “But there’s also a lot of work that needs to be done for us to be recognized, both within Africa and globally. And the only way to do that is by being on boards of such prestigious institutions like ACI.”
Kuku’s recent election as Vice President of ACI Africa, ratified at the 34th ACI Africa General Assembly in Lusaka, Zambia, marked a milestone.
The position also places her as a permanent member of the ACI World Governing Board. This ACI Leadership role strengthens Nigeria’s influence on international aviation policy and development.
ACI Leadership, in her words, is not about prestige but about advocacy. “Representation is important,” she reflected. “But what’s more important is about advocacy for the region. Today, you’re seeing the likes of Cairo and Addis taking the forefront in aviation, establishing themselves as transit hubs. The only way we can do something similar is by making sure we have a voice, not just for Nigeria, but for smaller nations too.”
Her remarks tie back to the last ACI meeting in Lusaka, where connectivity challenges in Central and West Africa dominated discussions. She stressed that stronger representation ensures these regions are not sidelined in the larger global aviation conversation. “That’s the only way we can strengthen aviation across Africa,” Kuku added.
On a practical level, ACI Leadership has already opened significant opportunities for Nigeria. For the first time, the country has full representation on all ACI technical committees. This means stronger support for safety initiatives, compliance measures, and airport certification programs. “ACI was very instrumental in providing us with support,” Kuku explained.
Last year, both Abuja and Lagos airports achieved certification. This year, FAAN is working closely with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to certify more international airports and domestic facilities. Airport certification remains a hot topic across Africa, with many facilities still struggling to meet ICAO standards. Nigeria’s partnership with ACI provides vital technical assistance to close regulatory gaps.
Beyond compliance, the impact of ACI Leadership extends to people. Nigerian aviation professionals are building new skills, enhancing quality, and raising operational standards. “It’s about improving quality, enhancing competency, and making sure our airports are built on global benchmarks,” Kuku said.
Her ACI Vice Presidency is more than an appointment. It is a responsibility to amplify Nigeria’s voice, represent smaller African nations, and ensure aviation development benefits all. “It means a lot for Nigeria,” she concluded softly. “But it also means a lot for Africa.”
Looking forward, her ACI Leadership mandate will stretch beyond advocacy into strategic reforms. She will help ensure African airports remain competitive, efficient, and safe while supporting wider connectivity. Her success reflects both personal achievement and Nigeria’s determination to shape the future of African aviation.
