FAAN overhauls 21-year-old Nigerian airport by-laws
Nigeria's airport authority has updated its regulatory framework for the first time since 2005, a move aimed at reducing operational risks and attracting commercial investment to the country's aviation infrastructure.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has introduced its 2025 By-Laws, replacing a regulatory framework that had not been comprehensively updated in 21 years. The overhaul updates the operational rulebook for Africa’s largest economy, targeting improvements in governance and efficiency across its airport network.
The previous by-laws were established in 2005, an era that predates major structural shifts in global aviation. Over the past two decades, international security protocols, digital passenger processing, and airport commercialization models have evolved significantly. For foreign airlines, insurers, and infrastructure investors, outdated local regulations typically translate into opaque compliance requirements, unpredictable costs, and elevated operational risks when operating in emerging markets.
FAAN’s management explicitly framed the update as a mechanism to improve commercial viability. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director and Chief Executive, noted that the old rules had become ineffective in addressing modern industry demands. By aligning its framework with current global best practices, FAAN is attempting to reduce the regulatory friction that historically complicates capital deployment into Nigerian aviation infrastructure, a sector that requires modernized governance to support expanding operations.
The revised rules will serve as the comprehensive operational guide for FAAN staff, airport users, stakeholders, and relevant partners. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Chairman of the FAAN Board, described the update as a significant milestone for strengthening airport governance. Kuku emphasized that the authority intends the new by-laws to promote safer, more secure, and commercially viable operations, reinforcing a commitment to regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
For market participants, the fundamental test of the 2025 By-Laws will be consistent enforcement. Regulatory overhauls in emerging markets frequently face implementation gaps between policy and daily operations. However, if FAAN successfully applies these updated rules, it could meaningfully lower the cost of doing business at Nigerian airports and improve the sector's overall appeal to long-term investors seeking exposure to African aviation.
