Safety: FAAN harps on proactive conflict management, communication collaboration

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says safety remains its top priority across all operational area, urging proactive conflict management, communication and collaboration among aviation stakeholders.

The FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said this during a news conference on Monday in Lagos to flag off 2025 “FAAN Safety Week”.

The event is annual and aimed at strengthening a culture of safety, compliance and awareness in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Our correspondent reports that the theme of the safety week is: “Navigating Conflict for a Safer Aviation in Nigeria”.

Kuku said that the theme was carefully chosen to reflect FAAN’s commitment to safety as the cornerstone of airport operations.

She emphasised the importance of proactive conflict management, communication and collaboration among aviation stakeholders.

“Safety is our core in the aviation environment.

” We do not wait for conflicts to arise before acting; we adopt preventive measures and strictly follow standard operating procedures in all we do.

“We have seen a number of incidents that highlight the need for clearer communication, chain of command and better understanding among airport staff, security agencies and passengers,” Kuku said.

According to Kuku, it is important that when conflicts arise, communication should be clear and the chain of command respected and protocols followed.

“Many issues can be de-escalated through awareness; they do not always require heavy-handed intervention,” she said.

On inter-agency collaboration, Kuku stressed the need for all security agencies operating within airports to harmonise their procedures and align with national standards.

“We are increasing training and awareness programmes not just for our staff but also for all security agencies within the airport environment,” she said.

The FAAN boss also addressed environmental and community safety concerns around airports, especially in Lagos and Abuja.

“We have airports located in highly-dense environments, where encroachment and waste disposal pose safety risks such as wildlife attraction and potential bird strikes.

“We are engaging friendly neighbours to raise awareness, while taking action against encroachers along airport access roads.

“We are working with the Lagos State Government and security agencies to clear illegal settlements and ensure environmental safety, “ she said.

Kuku urged residents and business operators around airports to cooperate with authorities.

She said that FAAN’s goal was to maintain a safe, secure and dignified environment for passengers, staff and surrounding communities.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility whether on the airside, landside or within terminals.

“We must all uphold safety principles and act responsibly to prevent incidents,” she said.