The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has publicly reaffirmed its strategic commitment to achieving world-class operational standards by implementing a significantly improved Integrated Management System (IMS). This move signals a proactive shift towards a more holistic, risk-aware, and stakeholder-centric approach to managing Nigeria’s federal airports.
In a formal IMS Policy Statement released on January 8, 2025, and made available to the press in Lagos, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, outlined the authority’s renewed focus. The core objective is to leverage the IMS as a unifying framework to drive excellence, safety, and sustainability across all operations.
An Integrated Management System is not merely a set of procedures; it is a strategic business methodology that combines multiple management standards—such as Quality (ISO 9001), Safety (ISO 45001), and Environment (ISO 14001)—into a single, coherent process. For an airport authority, this means that decisions about runway maintenance, passenger flow, waste management, and staff training are no longer made in silos. Instead, they are interconnected, with each decision evaluated for its impact on service quality, worker and passenger safety, and environmental footprint. This systemic view is crucial for modern aviation hubs facing complex challenges.
Mrs. Kuku emphasized that the improved IMS is designed to deliver tangible outcomes: boosting stakeholder satisfaction, upholding the highest standards of safety and operational integrity, and proactively managing risks. For the traveling public and airline partners, this translates to more reliable, secure, and efficient airport experiences. The commitment to “proactively identify, manage and eliminate risks” is particularly significant, pointing towards predictive safety management rather than reactive problem-solving.
The policy statement delves into specific operational pillars. FAAN commits to fully integrating Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) considerations into its core business activities. This includes a pledge to prevent pollution, injury, and ill-health, extending the duty of care beyond passengers to employees and the surrounding community. A practical example of this could be the adoption of cleaner ground support equipment to reduce emissions (environmental) while also lowering noise exposure for workers (health and safety), all monitored under a unified performance dashboard (quality).
Leadership and culture are central to this initiative. Mrs. Kuku stated that FAAN will demonstrate the importance of QHSE “through hands‑on leadership and behaviour.” This top-down commitment is essential for fostering a culture where every employee feels responsible for safety and quality. The policy further mandates comprehensive training, awareness programs, and strict prohibitions against alcohol and drug use in the workplace, addressing fundamental human factor elements in aviation safety.
Furthermore, the authority promises active engagement with stakeholders and openness on all QHSE issues. This suggests a move towards greater transparency, where stakeholders—including airlines, regulatory bodies, and the public—can have clearer insight into performance metrics and safety management. The commitment to “contribute to the development of sustainable energy systems and technology” aligns with global aviation trends towards net-zero goals, potentially encompassing solar power initiatives at airport facilities or investments in energy-efficient infrastructure.
In conclusion, this policy statement is more than a declaration of intent; it is a blueprint for transforming FAAN’s operational philosophy. By documenting, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving its Integrated Management System, FAAN is institutionalizing a cycle of perpetual enhancement. As Mrs. Kuku noted, the policy will be regularly reviewed to ensure it meets evolving business and stakeholder needs. This commitment, if resourced and executed with vigour, provides a solid foundation for FAAN to fulfill its mandate of delivering safe, secure, and quality services at Nigeria’s federal airports, building greater confidence among all users of the nation’s aviation infrastructure.
Source: NAN News. Edited by Ijeoma Popoola.
