NAFSA Lauds FAAN MD Kuku for Unprecedented Reforms in Airport Firefighting
L–R: National President, NAFSA, Comrade Ugbeikwu Sunday; Managing Director/CE, FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; and General Secretary of NAFSA, Comrade Akinwunmi Emmanuel, during one of the association’s engagements with the FAAN Chief Executive.
Thirty years after its establishment, the Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) is experiencing unprecedented improvements in staff welfare, safety standards, training, partnerships, promotions, and working conditions,transformations attributed to the leadership of the current Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.
Speaking to journalists recently, NAFSA’s National President, Comrade Ugbeikwu Sunday, said that in the nearly three decade history of the association, no administration has driven such remarkable progress as that of Mrs. Kuku.
Drawing from her private sector background, Comrade Ugbeikwu emphasized that Mrs. Kuku has successfully applied her experience to the operations of FAAN, with visible results.
“The scale and impact of the unprecedented achievements under her leadership, particularly as they relate to firefighting services, are not accidental,” he said. “They are the product of intentional, professional, and visionary leadership aimed at transforming FAAN.”he said.
According to him, the collaboration between NAFSA and FAAN under Mrs. Kuku has yielded tangible benefits for both FAAN firefighters and the aviation sector at large.
Highlighting some key achievements, Comrade Ugbeikwu said: “The implementation of annual cancer awareness programs and routine medical check-ups for FAAN firefighters demonstrates a strong commitment to their health and well-being. Additionally, the ongoing nationwide medical certification exercise for firefighters underscores Mrs. Kuku’s dedication to staff welfare.”
Regarding training, he explained that the implementation of recommendations from NAFSA’s biennial conference particularly the prompt payment of training allowances—has greatly enhanced the professional development of FAAN firefighters.
Ugbeikwu recalled, “firefighters often attended trainings without receiving their allowances, sometimes even borrowing money to do so. Today, under Mrs. Kuku’s leadership, allowances are paid before training invitations are issued, ensuring that participants can focus fully and professionally on their development.”
He also noted a major advancement in the location and quality of training: “Previously, competency training was conducted at ERSI/ASECNA in Douala, Cameroon. Now, through Mrs. Kuku’s efforts, it takes place at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria. This shift allows our firefighters to train with cutting-edge equipment like the Multi-purpose Aircraft Fire Simulator—an invaluable resource for their operational preparedness.”
On the issue of postings and work conditions, the NAFSA President commended the reversal of a controversial redeployment of firefighters from 13 airports to just two Enugu and Port Harcourt originally intended as temporary but later made permanent.
“This move had a demoralizing effect and sparked strong opposition from NAFSA. “The reversal has significantly improved morale and job security, with affected personnel returning to their original stations after nearly a year away.”he added.
He further applauded FAAN’s strategic partnership with NCAT, describing it as a game-changer for the firefighting department. He revealed that the 2025 management promotion exercise—hailed as the largest in FAAN’s history—was another major highlight of Mrs. Kuku’s tenure.
Comrade Ugbeikwu also expressed support for FAAN’s plan to renovate the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, revealing that NAFSA had previously identified structural concerns at the facility and brought them to Mrs. Kuku’s attention.
“How could NAFSA have made such progress without Mrs. Kuku? “She is a game changer. Her unwavering support has been the backbone of NAFSA’s success. We consider her a God-sent leader. Her deep understanding and prioritization of safety have made our work significantly easier. She is phenomenal.”
“These remarkable milestones reflect the strength of the collaboration between NAFSA and FAAN. “We sincerely appreciate the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN for her visionary leadership and her tangible contributions to the welfare of FAAN firefighters and the aviation sector at large.”he stated.
