FAAN Boss Refutes Media Reports On Airport Insurance

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has dismissed media reports suggesting that Nigerian airports under FAAN’s management are not insured.

She clarified that all Federal Government-owned airports managed by the Authority have valid insurance coverage, with records up to date.

The clarification followed comments made by Captain Edward Boyo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, during a panel session on aviation insurance at the CHINET AviaCargo Conference held in Lagos as part of the three-day Akwaaba African Travel Market.

Boyo had raised concerns that many accidents occurring at airports were a direct result of infrastructural deficiencies, arguing that airports themselves were not adequately insured.

“A lot of jet aircraft are destroyed by airports’ inefficiencies and infrastructure. Many of the accidents that happen at the airports are the direct responsibility of the airports,” Boyo said.

He criticised what he described as inadequate wildlife control, poor de-rubberisation, and insufficient runway hygiene, stressing that while airlines, passengers, and luggage are insured, airports are not.

He urged the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to ensure that airport insurance is enforced, likening the situation to “driving a car with insurance while others drive without one.”

Responding to these concerns, Kuku maintained that FAAN has consistently fulfilled its insurance obligations. “All FGN airports managed by FAAN are insured with the insurance up to date. De-rubberisation and runway hygiene have been intact, with records available,” she said.

She acknowledged challenges relating to habitation and community activities that have contributed to wildlife and bird strike incidents but noted that FAAN has been working with stakeholders to mitigate the risks.

She further explained that historical structural and engineering issues affecting some runways – particularly those that have exceeded their lifespan – were being corrected through phased overhauls and maintenance.

The exchange has reignited debate within the aviation sector over the adequacy of risk management and infrastructure maintenance at Nigeria’s airports, with industry stakeholders stressing the need for closer regulatory oversight and accountability.