About Us

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is a statutory organization established by the Nigerian government to oversee the management, operation, and development of all commercial airports in Nigeria. As a key player in the country’s aviation sector, FAAN is responsible for ensuring that airports across Nigeria operate with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and customer service.

FAAN’s mandate includes not only airport management but also the provision of a wide range of critical services such as airside operations, terminal management, passenger services, cargo handling, security, and maintenance of airport facilities. In fulfilling its role, FAAN ensures that airports comply with international aviation regulations and best practices, thereby contributing to Nigeria’s integration into the global aviation network.

With a focus on continuous improvement and modernization, FAAN is committed to providing world-class airport facilities and services that enhance the travel experience for passengers, airlines, and other stakeholders. Through strategic investments in infrastructure and technology, FAAN is dedicated to meeting the growing demands of Nigeria’s aviation industry, supporting economic growth, and ensuring the safety and comfort of travelers.

As the custodian of Nigeria’s airport infrastructure, FAAN remains dedicated to excellence in airport operations, contributing significantly to the development of the aviation sector and Nigeria’s position as a leading hub for air travel in Africa.

History of FAAN

The origins of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) can be traced back to the 1964 Civil Aviation Act, which laid the legal foundation for the regulation of aviation in Nigeria and placed all aspects of the sector under direct government control. With air travel on the rise, the Nigerian government recognized the pressing need to upgrade and expand the country’s airport infrastructure to accommodate an increasing volume of flights and larger aircraft. This responsibility was entrusted to the government, marking the beginning of a significant phase of development in Nigeria’s aviation history.

In 1971, the Nigerian government took a major step toward modernizing its airport infrastructure by appointing Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) to conduct a comprehensive survey of existing international airports across the country. NACO was tasked with preparing a master plan and conducting feasibility and economic impact studies for the upgrade of Lagos Airport, alongside 13 other major airports nationwide. This initiative marked the beginning of the first wave of airport development in Nigeria during the 1970s, setting the stage for future growth and modernization.

FAAN, as an organization, was established to manage and oversee these ongoing developments, ensuring that Nigeria’s airports would meet international standards of safety, efficiency, and capacity. Over the years, FAAN has played a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s aviation landscape, adapting to global advancements in aviation technology, and continuously improving airport infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing air transport sector.

The Birth of Nigeria Airports Authority

The Nigeria Airports Authority (NAA) was officially established by Decree 45 of 1976, with the primary mandate of overseeing the operation, maintenance, and development of all federal airports across the country. This statutory body was created to address the growing need for a centralized and efficient organization responsible for managing Nigeria’s expanding airport infrastructure. The establishment of NAA marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s aviation sector, as it provided a structured framework for the modernization and expansion of airport facilities to meet both domestic and international aviation demands.

One of the key moments in the development of Nigeria’s airport infrastructure came with the opening of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, which became the country’s premier international gateway. Named after General Murtala Muhammed, the then Head of State, the airport was a symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing its air transport network and positioning itself as a major hub in West Africa. The establishment of NAA and the subsequent development of key airports like Murtala Muhammed International Airport were crucial steps in ensuring that Nigeria’s airports could accommodate the increasing volume of air traffic and meet global standards for aviation safety and service quality.

Through the NAA, Nigeria took its first major steps toward establishing a modernized and efficient airport system, setting the foundation for future improvements that would ultimately lead to the formation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the body responsible for the management and development of the nation’s airports today.

Our Mandate

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as a public service organization statutorily charged to manage all Commercial Airports in Nigeria and provide service to both passenger and cargo airlines. Generally, to create conditions for the development in the most economic and efficient manner of air transport and the services connected with it.

Our Vision

To be amongst the best airport groups in the world.

Our Mission

To develop and profitably manage customer-centric airport facilities for safe, secure and efficient carriage of passengers and goods at world-class standards of quality.

Business Policies

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria performs its statutory duties, according to the policy guidelines provided by the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

The Authority is guided by these in all of its business dealings and agreements with contractors and various third parties with which it does business.

FAAN welcomes the private sector to partner with it in various areas of its statutory mandate to provide adequate infrastructure and facilities and service delivery to support the Nigerian aviation industry.

Corporate Governance

FAAN shall observe business policies that are in conformity with the policies of the Federal Government as regards contracts and business agreements. It shall observe appropriate due process practices in line with government policies, which are also in conformity with global best practices in the international

Aviation Industry

All its business and service agreements are transparent and follow established government policies, including the Due Process Act.

FAAN is also a signatory to the anti-corruption policies of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC and has set up an internal implementation committee for this purpose.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Nigeria Airports Authority (NAA) in 1976 marked a pivotal moment in the development of Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure. With the statutory responsibility of overseeing the operation and maintenance of federal airports, the NAA laid the groundwork for the modernization of key airports, including the iconic Murtala Muhammed International Airport. This move was crucial in addressing the increasing demand for air travel and in positioning Nigeria as a significant player in the global aviation sector.

The legacy of the NAA continues today through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which has furthered the goals of improving airport facilities, ensuring safety, and enhancing passenger experience. FAAN’s ongoing efforts to develop and modernize the nation’s airports are a testament to the vision and commitment set forth by the creation of the NAA, contributing significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.