The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is finalising the automation of payment processes across airports nationwide, beginning with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, gave the assurance on Monday in Lagos during a stakeholder engagement session organised by the Directorate of Commercial and Business Development. The theme of the event was “Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Growth and Development.”
Kuku stressed the importance of deploying Electronic Cash Register (ECR) devices, as well as automating toll gates and parking systems, in order to promote transparency and accountability.
“At present, the environment is somewhat porous, with individuals gaining access using just physical ID cards,” she explained.
“We intend to integrate access control with Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), National Identification Numbers (NIN), and biometric systems on the domestic side.”
She reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to delivering smart airport infrastructure and streamlined processes for its business partners. Kuku also urged concessionaires to meet their financial obligations promptly and adhere strictly to contractual agreements.
Expressing concern over unauthorised tankers parked in airport areas, Kuku described the situation as unacceptable.
“We will be taking decisive action, as it is inappropriate for the airport environment,” she stated.
“I have discovered that many of these tankers do not belong to operators legitimately doing business in our environment.”
She added that FAAN would categorise and update its list of concessionaires to resolve discrepancies in fee structures, grouping them based on business type, retail mix, and service offerings to ensure fairness and transparency.
Also Read: Nigeria Urges Swift Implementation of Single African Air Transport Market
Also speaking at the event, FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Ms Adebola Agunbiade, presented the authority’s 2024 revenue scorecard.
According to Agunbiade, 92 per cent of FAAN’s income currently comes from aeronautical sources, while only 8 per cent is derived from non-aeronautical revenue.
“This is not ideal. The international standard is a 55 to 45 per cent split between aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue, and we are far from that,” she said.
“All our ongoing and upcoming initiatives are focused on growing our non-aeronautical revenue streams. That is why your support, as stakeholders, is crucial.”
Agunbiade also revealed that FAAN plans to review its tariffs, having suffered from outdated charges for far too long.
Stakeholders from various sectors including catering, car hire, retail, and indoor advertising attended the engagement.
