Revolutionising Nigerian Airports: Bunmi Kuku’s Rise To Authority

By Babajide Fadoju

In the recent announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bunmi Kuku assumed the significant position of managing director at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) replacing Kabir Yusuf Mohammed. This strategic move reflects the president’s confidence in Kuku and underlines the intention to infuse innovative leadership into Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Kuku’s professional journey spans nearly 25 years, showcasing a remarkable trajectory from management consulting to pivotal roles in the industry. Her last position as vice-president, overseeing Visa’s consulting and analytics business in Sub-Saharan Africa, accentuates her extensive expertise in strategic growth and business transformation. Previously, as a partner at Ernst & Young (EY), she spearheaded business consulting and played a pivotal role in driving strategy and infrastructure development through the EY Parthenon business.

Kuku’s engagement in pivotal roles within the aviation sector, notably as an infrastructure adviser to a former minister of aviation and as the general manager of business development at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), amplifies her hands-on experience in the aviation industry. Moreover, her collaborations with prominent global bodies such as the World Bank, AFDB, and IFC highlight her ability to navigate complex frameworks and foster partnerships crucial for the growth of the aviation sector.

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Notably, Kuku’s influence goes over and beyond: her active engagement in the Nigerian fintech space and substantial investments in numerous companies, coupled with her advisory board roles, exemplifies her commitment to fostering innovation and driving impactful change.

However, this appointment isn’t without its share of debate. There will be questions about the choice, citing potential controversies surrounding her varied engagements and connections within the industry. Nevertheless, her exceptional track record and diverse expertise are assets that can potentially revolutionise Nigeria’s aviation landscape.

Kuku’s dedication to gender-based issues and her previous endeavours in promoting diversity underscore her commitment to inclusive growth. Her academic prowess, backed by a Bachelor’s in Finance and an MBA in International Finance and Strategic Management, further solidifies her as a holistic leader capable of steering the FAAN towards progressive paths. She is a great example of the president’s commitment to promoting gender inclusiveness in appointments and giving youth the needed opportunity in leadership positions.

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As she assumes the pivotal role of managing director at FAAN, Kuku’s rich repertoire of skills, global exposure, and commitment to innovation and inclusivity positions her as a catalyst for driving sustainable growth and modernization within Nigeria’s aviation sector. Her leadership is poised to usher in an era of strategic reforms, operational excellence, and industry collaboration, aligning FAAN with international standards and ensuring a safer, more efficient, and globally competitive aviation landscape for Nigeria.

Fadoju can be reached via babajidefadoju@gmail.com.