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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, on her election as Vice-President of Airports Council International (ACI) Africa.
The President’s message was conveyed in a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. The statement, titled “President Tinubu Congratulates FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku on Her Election as Vice-President of ACI Africa”, described her election as a milestone achievement that underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in the global aviation industry.
Mrs. Kuku’s election was officially ratified during the 34th ACI Africa General Assembly held in Lusaka, Zambia, from September 13, 2025. The assembly, which drew aviation leaders and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, ended on Friday with the confirmation of her new role.
President Tinubu commended the leadership of FAAN under Mrs. Kuku, noting that the agency’s sustained efforts in raising aviation standards in Nigeria have attracted international recognition. According to the President, FAAN’s work has significantly contributed to making Nigeria’s airports safer, more efficient, and aligned with international best practices.
“The President notes the sustained efforts and commitment of the FAAN management to making air transport in Nigeria safe, efficient, and reflective of the highest standards, which has attracted global recognition and commendations,” the statement read.
The President further praised Mrs. Kuku for her track record of leadership within ACI, the global trade body for airports. Before her latest appointment, she had already served as Regional Advisor for Africa and was a permanent member of the ACI World Governing Board, positions which helped raise Nigeria’s profile in the international aviation space.
Founded in 1991, ACI is the world’s leading body representing airports, with over 2,000 members across 170 countries and territories. The organization develops policies, standards, and best practices to guide airport management globally, while also providing training, research, and advocacy on behalf of its members.
Mrs. Kuku’s election as Vice-President of ACI Africa is seen as both a personal achievement and a recognition of Nigeria’s increasing contribution to the continent’s aviation development. Industry experts say her role will further open opportunities for collaboration between Nigerian airports and their counterparts across Africa.
Under her leadership, FAAN has been implementing reforms to improve passenger experience, strengthen safety protocols, and modernize airport infrastructure. These steps have been in line with global trends in air transport, where passenger traffic is expected to keep growing despite economic headwinds.
Speaking after the ratification, Mrs. Kuku expressed her gratitude to ACI Africa members for the confidence reposed in her. She pledged to use the position to promote Africa’s aviation interests, strengthen collaboration among regional airports, and push for policies that will improve safety, sustainability, and innovation in the sector.
Aviation analysts believe her election could also help attract greater investments into Nigeria’s airports, particularly in infrastructure and technology. With Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano airports serving as major gateways into the country, observers say the new role gives Nigeria a stronger voice in shaping Africa’s aviation future.
The Nigerian government has in recent years prioritized air transport development, investing in infrastructure upgrades and safety improvements. President Tinubu’s administration has also expressed commitment to expanding Nigeria’s aviation capacity to support tourism, trade, and economic growth.
With this latest international recognition, Nigeria’s aviation industry is set to play an even more prominent role in regional and global conversations on airport management and air transport development.
For many Nigerians, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku’s rise within ACI Africa is not only a source of national pride but also a symbol of the progress being recorded in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
