HS Studios, producers of FAAN in Focus, the official television programme of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), presents a special edition of the programme spotlighting Nigeria’s upcoming role as host of the 35th Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Annual General Assembly, Regional Conference and Exhibition, scheduled to take place in Abuja from September 19 to 25, 2026.
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1The special episode, titled “Africa’s Next-Gen Airports: Nigeria Takes Centre Stage,” explores Nigeria’s preparations to welcome airport chief executives, aviation experts, regulators, policymakers, investors and other industry stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
The conference will be held under the theme “Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience,” placing the future of African aviation at the centre of discussions around smarter, more resilient, technology-driven and sustainable airports.
Nigeria at the Centre of African Aviation
Speaking on the significance of the gathering, Mr. Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs & Corporate Communication, FAAN, and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, explained that Airports Council International (ACI) Africa represents the African region of Airports Council International, bringing together airport operators and industry stakeholders across the continent.
The Abuja gathering is expected to provide an important platform for knowledge exchange, networking, exhibitions and discussions around the future of airport development, while also giving Nigeria an opportunity to showcase its aviation sector and ongoing transformation efforts.
The special episode examines what hosting the event means for Nigeria and how the country can leverage the gathering to strengthen partnerships, attract opportunities, and help shape the future of African aviation.
Tackling Today’s Airport Challenges
Beyond conversations about the airports of tomorrow, the episode also examines some of the operational challenges confronting airports today, particularly touting and other illicit activities within the airport environment.
Through its focus on inter-agency collaboration and Operation Clean Airports, the programme highlights ongoing efforts to restore order in airport environments by strengthening enforcement, improving coordination among government agencies and other stakeholders, and reducing opportunities for unofficial transactions.
The episode also examines the importance of reducing unnecessary cash transactions within airports as part of broader efforts to tackle touting and improve transparency in airport operations.
Technology Driving a New Passenger Experience
A major focus of the special edition is the role of technology and innovation in transforming the passenger experience.
FAAN’s digital initiatives highlighted in the programme include ACAMS, a queue management system designed to bring greater transparency and order to taxi operations and concessionary fees, as well as VPASS, an identity-driven system currently being piloted to streamline passenger processing and reduce reliance on paper boarding passes.
These initiatives form part of the broader conversation around creating airports that are not only safer and more efficient, but also simpler, faster and more seamless for passengers.
Looking Beyond the Conference
The episode also explores preparations for hosting an event of this scale, including the expected role of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the exhibition and networking opportunities, and the wider experience Nigeria intends to provide delegates visiting Abuja.
The programme further examines the potential long-term benefits of hosting the ACI Africa gathering, particularly in terms of showcasing Nigeria’s aviation capabilities, exchanging knowledge, attracting partnerships and positioning the country as an active participant in shaping the next generation of African airports.
As African aviation looks towards the future, the episode highlights emerging priorities including digital identity, smarter passenger processing, sustainable infrastructure, improved security and seamless travel.
HS Studios presents this special edition of FAAN in Focus as part of its continued commitment to documenting developments within Nigeria’s aviation sector and bringing viewers closer to the people, innovations, partnerships and reforms shaping the country’s airports.
