By John Adiasi
Bunmi Onabanjo Kuku has officially taken on the role of the first female Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), succeeding Kabir Mohammed. Starting her tenure on Monday, Kuku is determined to elevate the nation’s airports by focusing on revenue enhancement and reducing wastage.
Kuku’s vision extends beyond infrastructure oversight as she aims to optimize aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenues, prioritizing an efficient, safe, secure, and enjoyable passenger experience. With a background in finance and a proven track record of leadership, she brings a wealth of expertise to her new position.
Kuku holds a B.Sc. in Finance from the University of Illinois, which she earned in 2000, followed by an MBA in International Finance and Strategic Management from DePaul University in 2004. During her MBA studies, she served as Assistant Vice President (AVP), Finance/Senior Financial at the Bank of Montreal, showcasing her early aptitude for financial leadership.
In her most recent role as Vice President and head of Visa Consulting Analytics – Sub-Saharan Africa, Kuku positioned herself at the forefront of driving growth strategies and fostering digital innovation in the financial services sector. Her one-year and two-month tenure marked a significant chapter in her distinguished career.
Previously, from July 2011 to 2014, Kuku served as the Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister of Strategy and Infrastructure Development at the Federal Ministry of Aviation. During this period, she played a pivotal role in advising the minister on infrastructure development projects, contributing to the Aviation Sector Roadmap, and shaping the National Carrier Project.
Kuku’s professional journey also includes valuable experience at Ernst & Young and Deloitte, where she held managerial positions in business advisory services, finance, and performance management. Notably, she served as Assistant General Manager (AGM)/Head of Business Unit Strategy at Bank PHB Plc, further solidifying her footprint in the corporate landscape. Her diverse and extensive experience across various sectors positions her as a dynamic leader poised to navigate FAAN through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The decision to replace Kabir Yusuf Mohammed as the Managing Director of FAAN was previously highlighted by Nairametrics. In this notable leadership change, Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku was appointed as the substantive Managing Director. The official statement, conveyed by presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, also announced the removal of Tayib Adetunji, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Engr. Umar Ahmed Farouk has been designated to assume the role in this strategic shift in aviation management.
