By Suliyat Quadri
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, has called for stronger communication, trust and teamwork within the aviation industry as key drivers of safety and conflict management.
She made the call yesterday in Lagos during a press briefing to flag off the Aviation Safety Week 2025, themed “Navigating Conflicts for a Safer Industry in Nigeria.”
Mrs. Kuku said the initiative aims to equip aviation professionals with the right tools for conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and communication, stressing that human factors often determine how safe the skies and terminals remain.
“Safety is not just about technology or systems; it’s about how we talk to one another, how we handle stress, and how we manage conflict,” she said.
The FAAN boss acknowledged recent incidents at some airport terminals, noting that they underscore the need for staff to be better trained in de-escalating tensions and maintaining composure under pressure.
According to her, FAAN is already collaborating closely with security agencies, airlines, and other stakeholders to strengthen safety and security protocols across Nigerian airports.
“We are aligning with global best practices while building a workforce that understands both the technical and human sides of aviation safety,” Kuku added.
She emphasized that clear communication and strict adherence to procedures are essential in high-stakes environments, adding that misunderstanding or miscommunication can easily escalate conflicts and compromise safety.
The Managing Director also expressed appreciation to the media for their role in spreading safety awareness, urging continued partnership to promote a culture of safety across the sector.
As part of the week-long activities, FAAN has lined up a series of events to engage both staff and stakeholders.
These include a road work and town hall meeting which will hold on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
There would also be an executive forum and stakeholder safety sessions on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, featuring interactive discussions on safety management systems.
There would be community engagement and continuous collaboration with local communities to reduce wildlife activities around airports and curb encroachments near restricted zones, in partnership with the Lagos State Government and federal security agencies.
Kuku explained that the theme for this year’s Safety Week was carefully chosen in response to recent industry challenges and the need to improve communication and emotional intelligence across all operational levels.
She also reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to maintaining a “safe, secure, and people-centered aviation industry” that puts both passengers and staff first.
“We are creating a level playing field where everyone from regulators to operators understands the rules, the procedures, and the shared responsibility for safety,” she said.
SOURCE: THESUN
