The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) oversees operations at the country’s federal and domestic airports. As a frequent flyer in Nigeria, you’ve surely passed through the terminals they manage in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and beyond.
But have you ever stopped to think about the sheer scale of work required to keep these airports running smoothly? From maintaining runways and taxiways to providing aviation security and firefighting services, FAAN has a lot on its plate. Operating most of the busiest airports in Nigeria is no small feat. Here is an overview of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
What is the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)?
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is a government agency under the Ministry of Aviation that oversees the management and operations of all commercial airports in Nigeria and to provide services to both passenger and cargo. FAAN has its head office in Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
Some of the major airports under FAAN’s management are Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja, Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano, amongst others.
If you’ve flown through any airport in Nigeria, chances are you’ve interacted with FAAN in one way or the other. From the moment you arrive at the airport, check in your luggage, go through security screening, wait at the departure lounge, board your flight, land at your destination and claim your baggage, FAAN works round the clock to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.
FAAN continues to upgrade airport facilities across the country to meet international standards and improve the overall passenger experience. The authority has upgraded several terminals, installed cutting-edge security equipment, improved runway lighting and navigational aids. FAAN’s goal is to make Nigeria’s airports world-class and the preferred aviation hub in West Africa.
History and Establishment of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria
The 1964 Civil Aviation Act established the legislative basis for the management of aviation in Nigeria, putting all areas of aviation under firm government control. The statutory obligation of improving the country’s air transport infrastructure to suit the increasing number of flights and heavier aircraft fell directly to the Nigerian government.
The Nigerian government hired Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) in 1971 to survey the existing international airports, produce a master plan, and conduct feasibility and economic impact studies for the upgrade of Lagos airport and 13 other airports in the country. That marked the start of the first wave of airport development in the 1970s.
The Nigeria Airport Authority was founded by Decree 45 of 1976 with the statutory task of managing the operation and repair of all Federal Airports. The Civil Aviation Reform of August 1995 resulted in the restructuring of several of NAA’s responsibilities as well as the rebranding of NAA to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN.
In 2013, the Federal Ministry of Aviation started the most ambitious rehabilitation effort the aviation sector has seen since its beginnings. The program includes the rebuilding and repair of 22 federally owned airports around the country. Many of the country’s airport terminals have now been restored and redesigned to boost capacity.
Today, FAAN employs over 6,000 staff and handles about 15 million passengers annually across its network. Its mission is to develop world-class airport facilities for safe, secure and efficient carriage of passengers and goods.
FAAN is governed by a board of directors and day-to-day operations are overseen by a Managing Director. Funding comes primarily through aeronautical charges to airlines, passenger service charges, concessions, and rents.
Organizational Structure and Leadership of FAAN
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has a hierarchical organizational structure. At the top is the Managing Director, who oversees the day-to-day operations and administration of FAAN. Mr. Kabir Yusuf Mohammed is the current FAAN’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, he is an ICAO/ACI-accredited International Airport Professional with extensive experience as a Professional Airport Manager.
Directly under the Managing Director are six Directorates:
- Director of Human Resources & Administration
- Director of Security Services
- Director of Finance and Accounts
- Director of Engineering Services
- Director of Airport Operations
- Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection
- Director of Commercial & Business Development
- Director of Corporate Services
- Director of Revenue
- Company Secretary/Legal Adviser
Each Directorate is headed by a Director who reports to the Managing Director. The Directorates are further divided into Departments, Units and Sections. Each Department is headed by a General Manager who supervises other junior staff.
The Managing Director is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister of Aviation. FAAN also has a Governing Board that is responsible for the overall policy formulation and direction of the organization. The Board comprises a Chairman, the Managing Director of FAAN, Directors from relevant government agencies and other members appointed by the government.
To ensure accountability and transparency, FAAN operates based on established rules and regulations contained in the FAAN Act, Civil Service Rules and Financial Regulations. It also has its own conditions of service and scheme of service which specify roles, responsibilities, qualifications, and career progression for staff.
In summary, FAAN has a well-defined organizational structure with clear lines of authority and supervision. The leadership comprises the Governing Board and the Managing Director, who work together to set strategic direction and oversee the management of Nigeria’s major international airports.
Airports Managed by FAAN Across Nigeria
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) manages 22 major airports across Nigeria. These airports serve as the main hubs for both domestic and international air travel in Nigeria.
Airports under FAAN include:
- Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
- Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport
- Murtala Muhammed International Airport
- Port Harcourt International Airport
- Kaduna Airport
- Maiduguri International Airport
- Yakubu Gowon Airport
- Yola Airport
- Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport
- Margaret Ekpo International Airport
- Akanu Ibiam International Airport
- Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport
- Ibadan Airport
- Ilorin Airport
- Bida airstrip
Some of the main domestic airports are:
- Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri
- Margaret Ekpo Airport in Calabar
- Sadiq Abubakar Airport in Sokoto
- Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos
- Akanu Ibiam Airport in Enugu
Others include: Yola, Benin, Minna, Ibadan, Akure, Makurdi, Katsina, Zaria and Osubi airports
In total, FAAN oversees operations at 22 airports across Nigeria which serve over 15 million passengers annually. These airports play a crucial role in facilitating air travel and boosting economic activities across Nigeria.
Key Responsibilities and Operations of FAAN
As an autonomous agency of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, FAAN is responsible for providing and managing essential facilities and services at Nigeria’s major airports. This includes air traffic control, terminal facilities, apron control, security, and firefighting services. FAAN also oversees the development and expansion of airport infrastructure to meet the increasing passenger and cargo traffic demands in Nigeria.
FAAN has several key responsibilities and operations to ensure the effective management of Nigeria’s federal airports.
Air traffic control
FAAN oversees air traffic control, including the management of arrivals and departures of aircraft to ensure safe, orderly and efficient flow of air traffic. Air traffic controllers direct aircraft on the ground and in the air, and maintain safe distances between aircraft during takeoff, landing, and taxiing.
Safety and security
FAAN is tasked with ensuring safety and security at the airports under its control. This includes screening checked and carry-on baggage, controlling access to restricted areas, monitoring the airport perimeter, and working with law enforcement agencies to deter potential threats. FAAN aims to provide a safe environment for passengers, employees and aircraft.
Passenger facilities
FAAN manages passenger terminals which provide amenities for travelers such as check-in counters, baggage claim areas, restrooms, restaurants, shops, and more. They oversee maintenance, cleaning, and any needed upgrades or expansions to these facilities.
Cargo handling
In addition to passenger aircraft, FAAN manages the arrival and departure of cargo planes. They provide infrastructure like cargo terminals and warehouses for the temporary storage of freight before its distribution. FAAN coordinates with cargo airlines, shipping companies, and ground handlers to facilitate the efficient transport of goods.
Infrastructure maintenance
FAAN is responsible for maintaining and improving critical infrastructure at Nigeria’s airports such as runways, taxiways, aprons, car parks, internal airport roads, drainage systems, water supply, and power supply. They aim to provide fully functioning and up-to-date infrastructure to support airport operations.
FAAN has a wide range of duties to handle in managing Nigeria’s federal airports. By effectively carrying out these key operations and responsibilities, FAAN works to provide a world-class airport experience for passengers, airlines, and other stakeholders.
Future Growth and Development Plans of Nigerian Airports Under FAAN
FAAN has ambitious plans for the continued growth and improvement of Nigeria’s airports. Some of the major developments in the works include:
Expansion of Existing Airports
FAAN aims to expand several existing airports to increase their capacity and allow for more passengers and larger aircraft. Plans are underway to expand the terminals at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, and Port Harcourt International Airport. Expansion will include larger terminal buildings, more gates, and improved baggage claim and immigration areas.
Development of New International Airports
FAAN proposed for a new international airport, Lekki-Epe International Airport. Lekki-Epe International Airport will be located in Ibeju-Lekki axis, Lagos, Nigeria. This new airport will help meet the growing demand for air travel in Nigeria and open up more routes for international airlines.
Upgrading of Facilities and Services
FAAN aims to modernize outdated equipment and infrastructure at airports across Nigeria. Plans include upgrading runway and taxiway lighting systems, improving baggage handling systems, enhancing parking facilities, and upgrading security screening equipment. FAAN also wants to improve customer service by training staff and streamlining certain procedures like check-in, baggage claim, and immigration.
Partnerships with Private Investors
To help fund new developments, FAAN is open to public-private partnerships with domestic and international investors. FAAN believes partnering with private companies can bring new sources of funding, technical expertise, and efficiencies to airport operations in Nigeria. Several large infrastructure projects are already underway through partnerships with private consortiums.
FAAN has set an ambitious agenda to prepare Nigeria’s airports for continued growth in air travel over the coming decades. With new airports, expanded terminals, upgraded facilities, improved services, and private investment, FAAN aims to provide world-class airport experiences across Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions about FAAN
Have some questions about FAAN and how Nigeria’s airports operate? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:
What does FAAN stand for?
FAAN stands for Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. It is the agency that oversees the management of all commercial airports in Nigeria.
How many airports does FAAN operate?
FAAN operates 22 airports across Nigeria, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Some smaller regional airports are also part of FAAN’s network.
What services does FAAN provide?
FAAN is responsible for providing essential airport services like:
- Runway maintenance
- Passenger terminal facilities
- Baggage handling
- Security screening and access control
- Firefighting and emergency services
- Car parking
How is FAAN funded?
FAAN generates most of its revenue from airport taxes and levies, including:
- Passenger service charge: Charged to all departing passengers
- Landing and parking fees: Charged to airlines for using airport facilities
- Concession rentals: Rent paid by restaurants, shops, hotels, etc. located within airport terminals
- Cargo and hangar rentals: Rent from air cargo and aircraft hangar facilities
How can I contact FAAN?
You can contact FAAN in several ways:
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Headquarters (Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport), P.M.B. 534A, Abuja.
0-12800844/01-2800842
LAGOS ANNEX OFFICE: Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Lagos Annex Office, Murtala Muhammed Airport, P.M.B. 21607, Ikeja-Lagos. Contact Number: 01-2800833/01-2800830
Email: info@faan.gov.ng
Website: www.faan.gov.ng, contact@faan.gov.ng
+2347041406199 / +2348052828465 Faithful A. Hope-Ivbaze (Mrs.) Ag.GM Corporate Affairs +234-280-0844 Customer Service
FAAN aims to provide world-class airport facilities and services for the benefit of all airport users in Nigeria. Please feel free to direct any other questions you may have to FAAN.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a quick overview of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and how they manage and operate Nigeria’s 22 major airports. Next time you fly into Lagos or Abuja for business or pleasure, you’ll have a better sense of the work that goes into getting you and your luggage from point A to point B.
While navigating the airports themselves may still feel chaotic at times, keep in mind the many moving parts FAAN has to coordinate to ensure the safe, secure and efficient operation of Nigeria’s gateways to the world. Though they face numerous challenges, FAAN is committed to continuous improvement to better serve passengers and support Nigeria’s thriving aviation industry.