Mrs.Olubunmi Kuku,MD/CEO FAAN..

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN),Mrs Olubunmi Kuku has emphasized  the critical role of aviation in global commerce.

She made this known in her keynote address at the National Single Window Initiative Stakeholders’ Forum held at Marriot Hotel in Ikeja ,Lagos.

Quoting the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air cargo facilitates the transportation of goods worth over $8 trillion annually, accounting for about 33% of global trade by volume.

With Nigeria’s immense potential in manpower, resources, and capacity,she said, the Single Window initiative which is the theme of the Conference,is pivotal in helping us capture a larger share of this global trade.

The vision of the Single Window,said Mrs.Kuku has inspired the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, to establish the Directorate of Cargo Development and Services.

This directorate focuses on:

• Enhancing air cargo trade volumes, particularly exports, through route development, including partnerships with Saudi Arabia and Russia, and fostering agro-export collaborations with private and state governments.
• Streamlining operations by eliminating bottlenecks at our airports.
• Creating a supportive and efficient environment for all stakeholders.
• Ensuring the safety, security, and compliance of stakeholders and cargo across all airports.

According to her,these initiatives reaffirm the Ministry’s and FAAN’s unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria into a global trade and aviation excellence hub.

She said they underscore the Aviation Ministry’s and FAAN’s dedication to evolving our airports into dynamic centres for exports and trade, aligning with the President’s ambitious goal of growing the economy to $1 trillion.

Kuku stated that FAAN has made remarkable progress in trade facilitation through key initiatives, including:

• Implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for stakeholders like ground handlers, airlines, customs brokers, and government agencies to standardize operations.
• Engaging and registering all stakeholders operating at the airports to ensure security, safety, and compliance with international standards.
• Actively participating in broader initiatives like the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Trade Facilitation Act of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and now the National Single Window, which are aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and improving the ease of doing business.

Giving reasons why the Single Window initiative is critical at this moment in our economic growth,Mrs. Kuku stated that it serves as an innovative digital platform that seamlessly integrates government agencies, private stakeholders, and financial institutions.

This collaboration streamlines trade processes and eliminates the bureaucratic bottlenecks that have long hindered progress.

The benefits of embracing this initiative include:

Efficiency: Streamlined trade processes at our cargo terminals will become faster and more efficient, allowing stakeholders to operate without unnecessary delays.

Transparency: Real-time updates and tracking will foster trust and accountability among all participants in the trade ecosystem.

Cost Savings: Reducing delays, preventing revenue leakages, and significantly lowering storage fees and operational costs.

Compliance: Improved alignment with international regulations will boost Nigeria’s adherence to global standards and enhance our standing in global trade.

Strengthened Global Relationships: By adhering to international standards, we will elevate Nigeria’s position in the global market, fostering stronger relationships with our international trade partners.

“However, we must also recognise that challenges still exist. The current fragmentation among agencies and reluctance to collaborate can impede progress. When individual interests take precedence over collective goals, it creates barriers.”

She advised that” It is through teamwork that we ensure sustainable progress, It is through collaboration that we unlock our true potential.”

She explained that adopting the Single Window initiative should not be viewed merely as the introduction of a technological tool; it presents a unique opportunity for us to unite under a shared vision of efficiency, growth, and prosperity—for our nation and ourselves.

For those still uncertain, “I encourage you to consider this: the successful implementation of this system will undoubtedly lead to increased trade volumes, resulting in greater revenue for all involved stakeholders.”

“Let us cultivate a mindset that prioritizes progress over individual interests. As Hans Hofmann wisely said, “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, the journey to a modernised trade environment starts with our collective efforts. We must embrace the Single Window initiative and collaborate in paving the way for an inclusive, efficient, and prosperous trade ecosystem.”