The appointment of Mrs Olubunmi Kuku as the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in January 2024 marked a significant turning point for both FAAN and the Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA).
Since then, the two organisations have collaborated to achieve unprecedented milestones that have positively impacted the lives of FAAN Firefighters and the aviation industry.
*Unwavering Commitment to Firefighter Welfare
Kuku’s leadership has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the welfare of FAAN Firefighters. Some notable initiatives include:
*Enhanced Health and Well-being
Implementation of Annual Cancer Awareness Programmes and Medical Check-ups for FAAN Firefighters, showcasing a high level of commitment to their health and well-being.
Annual Firefighters Medical Certification Exercise currently being carried out across airports. This exercise underscores Kuku’s dedication to the health and well-being of FAAN Firefighters.
*Professional Development and State-of-the-Art Training
The partnership between FAAN and NAFSA has also led to significant advancements in professional development and training for FAAN Firefighters.
Prompt Payment of Course/Training Allowances:
Ensuring that every trainee receives their training allowances before attending training, a departure from past practices.
Cutting-Edge Training Facilities: FAAN Firefighters now undergo Competency Training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, utilising the Multi-purpose Aircraft Fire Simulator.
*Improved Working Conditions and Job Security
Kuku’s leadership has also prioritised improving working conditions and job security for FAAN Firefighters.
Reversal of Temporary Redeployment: The reversal of the temporary redeployment of Firefighters to Enugu and Port Harcourt Airports has improved working conditions and guaranteed job security for FAAN Firefighters and FAAN as a whole.
*Strategic Partnerships and Safety Compliance
The FAAN-NAFSA partnership has also yielded significant benefits in terms of strategic partnerships and safety compliance:
FAAN-NCAT Partnership
A strategic partnership that has promoted knowledge sharing and best practices, enhanced safety, and adherence to safety principles.
Renovation of MMIA: The audacious decision to renovate the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, addresses long-standing safety concerns and ensures compliance with safety principles.
*Promotion to Management Cadre
The 2025 Management Promotion was the largest in FAAN’s history, with about 125 Firefighters promoted from GL 14 to GL 15, a testament to Kuku’s goodwill and commitment to the welfare of FAAN staff.
*NAFSA’s Appreciation
The NAFSA National President, Comrade Ugbeikwu Sunday, expressed his appreciation for Kuku’s leadership, saying: “how could NAFSA have achieved anything without Mrs. Kuku? She is the game changer. She has been the backbone of NAFSA. Her support and commitment to the success of NAFSA have been immense. We consider her as a God-sent”.
These milestones demonstrate the successful collaboration between NAFSA and FAAN under Mrs Olubunmi Kuku’s transformative leadership, yielding unprecedented benefits for FAAN Firefighters and the aviation industry.