Month: May 2025

  CHUKS OKOH As the world celebrates the Aeronautical Information Service Day, the President of the Aeronautical Information Management Association of Nigeria (AIMAN), Dr Ibrahim Audu, has called on the federal government to reconsider its stand on the 50% revenue deduction from aviation agencies in order to enable them replace obsolete facilities in the system in the interest of safety as a result of the critical roles played by the agency. Theme of the 2025 WAISD is”Safeguarding The Skies : The Vital Role Of Secured Aeronautical Information In Aviation Safety” In his message to mark the 2025 world AIS Day, Audu noted that the 50% revenue deduction from aviation agencies especially the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency has adversely affected development. The AIMAN boss called for the completion and implementation of the Aeronautical Information Service automation which has dragged for so many years. Dr Audu, assured members of of efforts to get them licensed which remained paramount in order to have confidence in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities According to the AIMAN boss, since the inception of his Executives  they were  able to set up a license committee under the Chairmanship of Mr. Patrick Afatapa which has reached a significant milestone in the pursuit of the process adding that God’s willing a great feat in this journey shall be realized. He noted that that Nigeria was lagging behind in the automation of its services compared to other neighbouring countries. Audu noted that AIS Automation will bring about Geographic Information System (GIS) which will guide and enhance  operations and also digitalize NOTAM  systems. The AIMAN president  further disclosed that automation will help to automate weather observing systems and will provide pilots with accurate data for operations. Dr Audu commended the Managing Director of NAMA for the intervention in ensuring that obsolete navigation, communications and surveillance equipment were replaced. “Arising from the fact that Nigeria is holding the first international conference IFAIMA 2025. The 2025 World AIS Day shall be celebrated at the station level in order to  gear all support needed for a successful conference” Audu said. He urged all members of AIMAN in Nigeria to register and participate fully in the IFAIMA conference where at the end of the day, value shall be added to both the profession and the personnel to enable them ensure a seamless and smooth flow of Aeronautical information necessary for the safety, regularity and efficiency of international air navigation as enshrined in the ICAO Annex 15. World AIS Day is observed on May 15th annually. The first World AIS Day took place in 1953 and it is observed to promote the importance of Aviation Information Services (AIS) for the safety and efficiency of air transportation. The purpose is to raise awareness about the crucial role of Aviation Information Services in global air navigation. AIS Services provide essential data and information to pilots and other air traffic control professionals with focus on promoting safety, efficiency, and cooperation in air navigation.

  CHUKS OKOH. The stage is now set  for the IFAIMA World Conference, scheduled to hold from May 27 to 29, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja. According to Kabir Yahaya Gusau, Chairman Local Organising Committee (Abuja 2025), the conference is expected to bring together 250 to 270 participants from across the globe to discuss new developments and innovations in Aeronautical Information Management. The conference, themed “Innovating for the Future of Aeronautical Information Management,” aims to promote and maintain a safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic throughout the world. Gusau said it will also facilitate coordination and collaboration between organizations and IFAIMA  to better meet their information management requirements. He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo,  for being supportive Aviation agencies, including the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerian Immigration Service, were also commended for their support and assistance in hosting the conference. “The Nigerian Immigration Service has made it easy for participants to obtain visas, and arrangements have been made for transportation from Abuja and Lagos airports to the conference venue,” Gusau says. He stressed that the conference is expected to address challenges and issues arising from the transition of Federal Information Service to the broader concept of Aeronautical Information Management. Gusau noted that the conference is not just for aviation professionals but for Nigeria as a whole, as he expressed pride to be a Nigerian. He urged Nigerians to collaborate with international participants to exchange ideas and learn from each other in the course of the conference The conference will feature presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities for participants to share their experiences and expertise in Aeronautical Information Management. With the preparations almost complete, the stage is set for a successful conference that will promote innovation and collaboration in the aviation industry Meanwhile, the President of International Federation of Aeronautical Information Management Association (IFAIMA), Ms Funmi Adeyemi says, Nigeria is ready to host delegates from all over the world in Abuja at the 2025 IFAIMA conference Speaking with journalists in Lagos on the preparation for the first ever international conference holding in this part of the world tagged, ‘Abuja 2025’, Adeyemi said, all hands were on deck to ensure a huge success of the event scheduled for 27 to 29 May. According to the IFAIMA President, this will be the first time the conference will hold on the Western and Central African  (WACAF) region adding, that the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Mr Festus Keyamo and other aviation agency’s chiefs have been very supportive. Ms Adeyemi thanked the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency for enabling them to achieve the certification Quality Management Service (QMS) and AIS last year, which is one of the steps from transiting from AIS to AIM and appreciated all her colleagues that made it possible working under pressure to with high work load She noted that the use of manuals was outdated especially in an era where every system has been digitalised According to the IFAIMA BOSS, countries have embraced System Wide Information Management (SWIM) to ease their jobs and called for the fast tracking of the AIM projects process On the MoU signed between IFAIMA and other bodies, the IFAIMA boss said it was aimed at solidifying their commitment to collaboration and to  foster a shared vision for advancing aviation safety

CHUKS OKOH, The popular saying that ‘what a man can do, a woman can do even better is playing out fast, at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), where Mrs Olubunmi kuku is holding sway as the Managing Director, Chief Executive officer of the Authority.   There is clear indication that FAAN is on another pedestal in terms of revenue generation, human capital development and in the provision of infrastructure upgrade less than two years the present MD was appointed by the federal government. Her approach and style, coupled with the ability to get things done fast, shows that she was prepared before coming on board with much energy and innovations in the system during their time.   Being the foot soldier of the present Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus keyamo, Nigerians are hopeful that better days are ahead in the aviation industry for common good of all stakeholders. It remains  a landmark appointment and equally a departure from the old order (men dominated sector in the past), when on the 18th December, 2023 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu broke the jinx and, endorsed the appointment of Mrs kuku. As it stands, she is the first woman ever to occupy the highest office in FAAN many years after the authority was carved out from the defunct Nigeria Airport Authority(NAA). Since her appointment interestingly, it has been one success story after another, especially in the areas of infrastructure upgrade, provision of modern equipment to enhance seamless operations and conducive atmosphere  upon which the workers now operates. For example, under Mrs Kuku, the revenue growth in FAAN has quadrupled less than two years she assumed office. FAAN’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), rose to over N112 billion, a significant improvement from N54.3 billion in 2023 and N30.5 billion in 2022 respectively. In the area of manpower training, the authority is not lagging behind  also. Between when this administration came on stream and now, FAAN has recorded the training of over 4,000 staff, and critical personnel across six safety-critical courses and still counting at the Authority’s Training School, hitherto upgraded to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), recommended standards. Talking about infrastructural development, reconstruction and rehabilitation of internal roads, terminals, conveyor belts, and most importantly eradication of touts and undesirable elements, to enhance security and well-being of passengers also have gained serious attention of the management. FAAN also is not leaving any stone unturned in the area of promoting industrial harmony, all in a bid to ensure that consumers of its services and other major players in the system gets value for their money. The idea of strategic partnerships and incentives also introduced by the current management has led to boost of airport revenue generation and collaboration with key agencies and various stakeholders, thereby ensuring cooperation and synergies with all players in the industry. Not done yet, customer experience through enhanced airport facilities and services, priotized institutional capacity building and staff welfare, attraction of foreign students from neighbouring African countries to train in FAAN training school and the promotion of FAAN’s image vie collaboration with national and international bodies speaks volume of how determined and ready the leadership of FAAN is, to ensure that FAAN competes efficiently and favourably with other airport groups in the world. Analysts in the aviation sector are in unison, saying that, the coming of the current Chief Executive Officer is a blessing, and therefore should be supported and encouraged to do more. The development in FAAN according to them have brought succor and positive changes, and as such have proven that women really can be trusted with any position in the land no matter how sophisticated and challenging such an office may appear. The readiness of the authority to decentralize cargo processing and provide room for equitable access to modern logistics infrastructure across airports in the country appear to be what the industry need at this time to support the nations economic goals that is very dear to the heart of the federal government. This was echoed recently during the unveiling ceremony of new domestic cargo processing facility at the General Aviation Terminal(GAT). The Director  of Commercial and Business Development, Ms Joy Agunbiade who represented the FAAN MD at the event explained that, the whole idea is to promote efficiency and connectivity of cargo operations at Lagos airport. This development no doubt is in tandem with FAAN’s strategic roadmap that is aimed at optimizing Nigeria’s cargo movement ostensibly targeted to stamp its position in the global logistics chain which the present Chief Executive officer, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku is vigorously pursuing. With the feat already recorded within this short period, chances are that, the authority will continue to break new grounds in every facet of its operations for the common good

CHUKS OKOH, The managing director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, says the authority is ready to decentralise cargo processing and provide equitable access to modern logistics infrastructure across airports in the country. This is aimed at  not only supporting the economic goals of the nation but also signals our commitment to fostering innovation and efficiency within the aviation sector, Speaking at the unveiling of  the new domestic cargo processing facility at the General Aviation Terminal, Lagos Kuku said the bold move was to strengthen aviation logistics and bolster export capacity Represented by the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms Joy Agunbiade, Kuku, stated that the initiative was a direct result of the renewed emphasis placed on cargo infrastructure under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo She described it as a strategic game-changer, the facility is designed to enhance the efficiency, scalability, and connectivity of cargo operations at Lagos airport. “With the continued growth in e-commerce and agricultural exports, the terminal offers businesses a more reliable, secure, and streamlined logistics platform. It is expected to significantly reduce existing bottlenecks in cargo movement while positioning Lagos as a pivotal hub for both domestic and international freight operations”. “The commissioning marks a critical step in the execution of FAAN’s strategic roadmap aimed at optimising Nigeria’s cargo movement and reinforcing the country’s position in the global logistics chain” She noted that in 2023, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo in the bid to transform the Aviation Sector, created the Directorate of Cargo Development and Services with the main objective of promoting exportation. This initiative has led to the completion and equipping of this domestic cargo processing facility. Kuku said it was more than just a facility as the warehouse represented a bold step toward efficiency, connectivity, and sustainable economic growth, as well as a significant mark in the ongoing efforts to build and modernize Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure, enhance cargo operations, and boost economic growth. “Cargo movement is the lifeblood of commerce, powering industries, supporting businesses, and creating opportunities. As e-commerce expands, and agricultural exports surge, the demand for reliable, rapid, and secure cargo logistics has never been greater” The FAAN boss noted that the facility was designed precisely for the moment to accelerate trade, enhance operational efficiency, and position us for the future. “This domestic cargo terminal is a gateway for efficiency, speed, scalability and better domestic logistic movement. The ripple effect will be felt not only in increased revenue for the aviation sector but also in strengthening supply chains for businesses nationwide”. Kuku remarked that the terminal will serve as a catalyst for increasing international cargo volumes adding that as Lagos remained the economic heartbeat of Nigeria, an efficient cargo hub will attract more national freight operators.   The Director of Cargo Development  Services, Mr Lekan Thomas, said the event was not just a ceremony; but a testament to progress, purpose and hard work from different stakeholders. Thomas said Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos remained at the center of cargo activity, making the newly commissioned Domestic Cargo Shed a vital component of our national logistics framework. “Under the dynamic leadership of FAAN’s Managing Director & Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, we have witnessed a steadfast commitment to positioning Nigeria’s aviation and cargo sectors for international competitiveness” He added that her strategic approach has driven reforms, focused on operational excellence, infrastructural upgrades, and customer-centric services. “The establishment of this Domestic Cargo Shed is a direct result of her visionary leadership, ensuring that our cargo operations adhere to the highest standards and using her phrase making our “airport for exports’’ a reality. According to Thomas, the unveiling of the facility remained a significant step towards a more interconnected and economically vibrant Nigeria adding that it was the beginning. He added that the next phase will be the full development of full-scale domestic cargo hubs at airports across the country. “These hubs will go beyond being mere storage spaces, they will become state-of-the-art centers for logistics excellence, setting new industry standards and accelerating Nigeria’s aviation-driven economic growth” .