FAAN Insures all Federal Airports , Begins Runway Overhaul

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that all federal airports under its management are fully insured, even as it disclosed that corrective maintenance and major overhauls are ongoing on several runways across the country.

Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, made this known at the CHINET Aviacargo Conference in Lagos while responding to concerns raised by industry stakeholders. She said the authority has valid insurance documentation for the airports and has continued to maintain runway hygiene and de-rubberisation programmes.

Kuku acknowledged that some runways have structural defects and have exceeded their 20 to 25-year lifespan, with many dating back to the late 1970s. She explained that FAAN has embarked on phased rehabilitation and complete overhauls to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

Her clarification followed questions from aviation operators, including Overland Airways’ Chief Executive, Edward Boyo, who had expressed doubts over airport insurance coverage after FAAN’s earlier removal of Part 18 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), which mandated airports to be insured.

The FAAN boss assured stakeholders that safety remains the agency’s top priority. “All our airports are adequately insured, and we have taken proactive steps to address infrastructure challenges, particularly on the runways,” she said.

Industry analysts believe the ongoing maintenance programme could improve confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector, especially as airlines continue to push for higher safety and operational standards.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola