Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has rejected proposals for a dedicated aviation financing body, urging instead that existing lenders create specialised aviation desks to deepen sector understanding and support.
Speaking at the recent African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Togo on the role of effective PPP models in infrastructure development, the FAAN chief argued that establishing new institutions is unnecessary and could further complicate efforts to raise funding for critical projects.
According to her, the focus should be on strengthening existing financial structures and equipping them with the technical expertise required to assess aviation investments.
While reacting to suggestions for new aviation-focused financing institutions, Kuku noted, “I strongly do not support that, I’d rather that the existing financing institutions set up specialised desks to understand the aviation environment and also provide support, if possible, as part of project preparation facilities.”
The FAAN boss explained that many financiers, including development finance institutions, are often confronted with a shortage of well-prepared and bankable aviation projects rather than a lack of available funds, stressing that technical support for project preparation would help stakeholders present viable investment opportunities capable of attracting financing.
