“The certifications position Nigeria’s airports as efficient, credible and competitive gateways for trade, tourism and regional integration”.
In a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s aviation industry, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has secured two prestigious international certifications — ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) — placing the Authority among a select group of globally benchmarked airport operators.
The certificates were formally presented to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, at the Authority’s headquarters in Lagos, marking the culmination of months of intensive reforms, internal audits, process realignment, and organisational transformation.
The achievement signals a decisive shift in how Nigeria’s airports are managed — from routine administration to structured, standards-driven governance aligned with international best practices.
Understanding ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015.
ISO 9001:2015 is the world’s most recognised quality management standard. It confirms that an organisation has effective systems to consistently deliver quality services, meet customer expectations, manage risks, and continuously improve operations.
ISO 14001:2015 focuses on environmental responsibility. It certifies that an organisation actively controls waste, pollution, regulatory compliance, and resource efficiency, while promoting sustainable and environmentally sound operations.
Together, the standards validate FAAN’s commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.
What the Certifications Mean for FAAN
Awarded by MSECB, Canada, the dual certifications affirm that FAAN’s operational and environmental management frameworks now meet globally recognised benchmarks. This positions Nigeria’s airport authority among modern, competitive, and forward-looking airport institutions worldwide.
The milestone reflects the leadership of Kuku, whose tenure has been widely acknowledged for prioritising airport development, human capital growth, institutional reform, accountability, and performance excellence. In December 2025, Kuku marked two years as FAAN’s MD/CE, earning commendations from staff, aviation professionals, and industry observers. Much of the acclaim centres on her insistence on process, discipline and international benchmarking, which have steered FAAN toward systems that prioritise consistency, transparency, accountability and long-term sustainability across all its airports.
Industry stakeholders noted that the certifications crown a long and deliberate transformation within FAAN, anchored on the successful implementation of an Integrated Management System (IMS). The system harmonised operations, strengthened internal controls, clarified responsibilities and institutionalised a culture of continuous improvement across the Authority.
The result is an organisation that has moved decisively beyond reactive management to proactive, standards-driven governance.
Beyond symbolism, the ISO certifications introduce measurable performance benchmarks for FAAN’s departments and airport locations nationwide. With defined procedures and monitoring frameworks, service delivery can now be tracked, risks anticipated and operational gaps addressed before they escalate.
For passengers and airlines, this means more predictable service standards, improved turnaround times, better facility management and clearer accountability. For staff, it embeds structured training, documentation and competence development into daily operations, making professionalism systemic rather than incidental.
On the environmental front, ISO 14001:2015 positions FAAN to deepen waste management, energy efficiency, emissions control, noise management and regulatory compliance across terminals and airside operations, aligning Nigeria’s airports with global sustainability practices.
The certifications also enhance FAAN’s standing with international airlines, investors and development partners, particularly as Nigeria advances airport modernisation and concession initiatives. Compliance with global standards reassures stakeholders that infrastructure operations meet accepted international benchmarks.
Sustaining the certification
With certification secured, attention now shifts to sustainability. Maintaining ISO status requires continuous audits, management reviews, staff capacity development and ongoing improvement.
Aviation observers believe FAAN, under Kuku’s leadership, is well placed not only to sustain these reforms but to deepen them, positioning Nigeria’s airports as efficient, credible and competitive gateways for trade, tourism and regional integration.