OLUBUNMI KUKU AND HER FAAN STORY

The wise ones had Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku in mind before they coined the well-known adage, “What a man can do, a woman can do it better.” Olubunmi is genuinely a face and a ray of hope for a girl child. Because of Olubunmi’s contribution to airspace, people can now fly in the sky conveniently and enjoyably.

Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku is an accomplished financial expert who shattered the glass ceiling of the FAAN in 2023 as the first female director of FAAN after 47 years of male dominance. She is a woman who has made history as the first female chief executive and managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). She was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on December 18, 2023. In addition to being a career turning point, Kuku’s rise to the highest levels of FAAN was also a momentous occasion in Nigerian aviation history. She is renowned for her unwavering commitment and leadership abilities, and she has always been at the forefront of efficiency and innovation, establishing new benchmarks in airport operations and management.

Kuku has accomplished more than just what she can do professionally. Her appointment as the managing director of FAAN is a significant milestone in breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. She has not only paved the way for future female leaders in aviation but also left an indelible mark on the history of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
In her role at FAAN, Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku is tasked with spearheading initiatives towards creating a safer, more consumer-centric aviation landscape in Nigeria. She has a remarkable career that spans over two decades. Kuku’s professional journey is a testament to her expertise, leadership, and relentlessness, and her dedication to the aviation industry is beyond human imagination.

Olubunmi Kuku was born on August 25, 1972. She completed her early schooling in Nigeria before graduating from the esteemed University of Illinois in 2000 with a degree in finance. Olubunmi Kuku’s academic background, which shows her early aptitude for intricate financial systems, is just as impressive as her professional career. Her pursuit of knowledge continued in 2004, when she earned an MBA in International Finance & Strategic Management from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. Executive Education at Harvard Business School in 2004, her membership in the National Institute of Marketing Nigeria since 2016, her status as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Business Development since 2014, her participation in the Executive Leadership Program, IGNITE, at INSEAD Business School/Visa in 2023, and her membership in several professional bodies—these academic achievements laid the groundwork for a career marked by strategic insight and innovative thinking.

Mrs Kuku had been around the aviation industry and airspace for decades before she finally emerged as the number one chairwoman of FAAN. Her tenure as vice president and head of Visa Consulting & Analytics for Sub-Saharan Africa at Visa saw her drive significant growth and development in the region. She also brought her expertise to Ernst & Young (EY) as a partner in business consulting, showcasing her ability to navigate and transform complex business environments. Furthermore, her role as a general manager at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), overseeing business development & investment, underlined her capability in steering organisations towards success.

The Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, was honoured with the prestigious Aviation CEO of the Year Award at the 2025 Nigeria Aviation Awards (NIGAV). This well-deserved recognition and her many awards are a testament to her sterling performance and transformative leadership since assuming office in 2023.

Kuku’s influence extends beyond the corporate realm into strategic sectors of the economy. She has played a pivotal role in driving transformative growth, notably in her advisory capacity for strategy & infrastructure development at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency. Her hands-on involvement with the former Minister of Aviation and as General Manager for Business Development at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency underscored her deep commitment to the aviation sector. Collaborating with prestigious development and multilateral agencies, Kuku has engaged with the World Bank, African Development Bank (AFDB), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). These collaborations highlight her ability to work at the intersection of international development and strategic economic planning.
Kuku’s professional affiliations and certifications further underscore her commitment to excellence. Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kuku’s ascent to the top echelons of FAAN was not just a career milestone but also a significant moment in Nigerian aviation history. Known for her impeccable leadership skills and dedication, she has always been at the forefront of innovation and efficiency, setting new standards in airport management and operations.

She intends to set industry standards for efficiency and dedication by showcasing her knowledge, skill, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Her leadership is crucial in promoting the goals of the aviation sector and aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a renewed and prosperous Nigeria. Not only is Kuku’s story inspirational, but it also serves as a model and a ray of hope for future leaders in the aviation sector and beyond.