The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to intensify the enforcement of regulations governing dangerous goods, wildlife management, and conflict resolution across the nation’s airports.
The Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, who made this disclosure while speaking at the opening of FAAN’s 2025 Safety Week in Lagos, added that safety remains the core of aviation operations and not a one-off exercise confined to the annual safety week.
Kuku highlighted recent incidents at Abuja and Kano airports involving passengers attempting to carry potentially hazardous items into terminals or onboard aircraft, noting that it underscore the importance of strict adherence to dangerous goods protocols.
“These incidents remind us that both passengers and staff must understand what qualifies as prohibited or dangerous goods. Following these events, FAAN’s Aviation Security Directorate conducted refresher training for staff and airline personnel to ensure alignment with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) standards.”
According to Kuku, the theme for this year’s Safety Week, “Navigating Conflicts for a Safer Aviation Industry,” was chosen to reflect the need for improved understanding and communication between airport staff, airlines, and passengers.
“We realized that many conflicts arise from miscommunication or a lack of clarity on roles and procedures. Not every disagreement requires intervention by Aviation Security (AVSEC); many can be resolved through clear communication and emotional intelligence,” she said.
While raising concern about increasing wildlife activity and encroachment around airport boundaries, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, and Benin airports, the FAAN boss said the Authority has intensified community engagement and sanitation campaigns to curb waste dumping and land encroachment that attract birds and wildlife, thereby reducing the risk of bird strikes and runway incursions.
Kuku added that the Authority continuously implements measures to strengthen operational standards, communication, and human relations within airport environments.
