….eyes vertiports, drone integration
The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has reiterated the need for Nigeria’s aviation sector to strategically position itself in anticipation of the transformative impact of drone and urban air mobility technologies.
She made these remarks while delivering a keynote address at the 5th International Drone Technology Conference and Expo (DRONETECX 2025), Nigeria’s premier gathering for drone, UAV, and autonomous aviation stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, which is focused on determining the future of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in Nigeria, Mrs. Kuku emphasized the growing relevance of integrating drones and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into the country’s airspace, as well as the implications for conventional airport infrastructure.
Represented by the Director, Special Duties, FAAN, Mr. Henry Agbebire, Mrs. Kuku commended the Federal Ministry of Aviation under the leadership of the minister of Aviation and Aerospace development, Mr. Festus Keyamo for consistently supporting DRONETECX and aligning with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) vision of building national capacities for emerging aviation technologies.
According to her, ICAO’s symposia and policy directions have set a clear agenda for member states to begin preparing regulatory and operational frameworks for unmanned and autonomous aviation.
Mrs. Kuku described DRONETECX as a critical platform for informing and educating Nigerians on drone technology, and praised its organizer, Mr. Fortune Idu of FCI International, for his continued effort in sustaining national dialogue and innovation in this space.
She noted that the past 15 years have seen rapid progress in automation, artificial intelligence, energy-efficient propulsion, and global positioning systems, all of which are redefining modern air mobility.
“Autonomous piloting capabilities and lightweight, energy-efficient aircraft are ushering in a new era of aviation. We are seeing the early stages of aircraft as taxis and interregional drone flights. This raises important questions about the future role of traditional airports and the need to begin integrating this new category of aircraft into our airspace.”
On the role of FAAN and other airport authorities, Mrs. Kuku disclosed that attention is now turning toward the concept of vertiports, dedicated areas for the takeoff, landing, and servicing of VTOL aircraft, such as drones and air taxis.
She explained that vertiports offer a flexible, urban-centric alternative to conventional airports and will likely complement existing aviation infrastructure rather than replace it.
Highlighting the need for adaptation, she said, “Airports are beginning to reconsider their design and operational capacity to support Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The size and geography of Nigeria demand more than conventional aviation to close the air transport gap. Vertiports provide a compact, responsive solution for urban and regional mobility, especially in areas underserved by current infrastructure.”
Mrs. Kuku defined vertiports as modern helipads designed specifically for VTOL and eVTOL vehicles, which could eventually link to larger airport hubs, enhance revenue potential, and improve service reach.
Unlike conventional airports that serve long-distance travel and cargo operations, vertiports will support short, point-to-point trips within urban areas and across regions, offering a lower-cost and inclusive transport alternative.
She added that FAAN is monitoring international trends and working toward ensuring that Nigeria’s airports are ready to accommodate these innovations.
“As airport managers, we must understand the unique design, operation, and integration requirements of vertiports. Our role will evolve, not diminish. Airports will serve as the main hubs, while vertiports act as spokes in the future air transport network.”
Mrs. Kuku reiterated FAAN’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders, developing relevant infrastructure, and supporting policy development to ensure Nigeria remains competitive and prepared in the face of aviation’s next frontier.
