The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is intensifying enforcement of regulations governing dangerous goods, wildlife control, and conflict management across airports nationwide.
Speaking at the opening of FAAN’s 2025 Safety Week in Lagos, Managing Director Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku stressed that safety remains the core of aviation operations and cannot be treated as a one-off activity tied to an annual event.
She cited recent incidents at the Abuja and Kano airports, where passengers attempted to carry hazardous items into terminals or onboard aircraft, as reminders of the importance of strict adherence to dangerous goods protocols.
In response, FAAN’s Aviation Security Directorate has conducted refresher training for staff and airline personnel to ensure alignment with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) standards.
This year’s Safety Week theme, “Navigating Conflicts for a Safer Aviation Industry,” highlights the need for better communication between airport staff, airlines, and passengers.
According to Kuku, many disputes stem from miscommunication or unclear procedures, and not every disagreement requires an immediate Aviation Security (AVSEC) intervention.
Improved communication and emotional intelligence, she said, can resolve many issues before they escalate.
Kuku also raised concerns about increasing wildlife activity and encroachment around airport boundaries, particularly at the Lagos, Abuja, and Benin airports.
She explained that waste dumping and land encroachment attract birds and wildlife, creating safety risks such as bird strikes and runway incursions.
To address this, FAAN has intensified community engagement and launched sanitation campaigns aimed at curbing practices that attract wildlife.
She reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to strengthening operational standards, communication, and human relations to ensure safer, smarter airport operations.
Reporting by Nosa Aituamen