The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has welcomed a new chairman following the recent unveiling by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. Former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has been appointed to lead the FAAN board, a development confirmed during an inauguration ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Okay.ng reports that the announcement was made public through a video shared on X by Gbenga Saka, the Special Adviser on Digital Media to the minister. This appointment comes shortly after Ganduje stepped down from his position as the APC chairman.
Joining Ganduje on the board are key figures including FAAN Managing Director Ms. Olubunmi Kuku, Ms. Dorothy Duruaka, Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman, Nasiru Muazu, Omozojie Okoboh, TP Vembe, and Bridget Gold, who will act as the board secretary.
Minister Keyamo, addressing the newly inaugurated board, emphasized the critical role they play in advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector. He said, “As we inaugurate this new board, we carry the weight of expectation that we must continue to foster an environment where aviation can thrive, connect diverse regions, and promote socioeconomic development across our nation.”
He acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the sector, from infrastructure gaps to adapting to global aviation trends, but expressed confidence in the board’s collective expertise. “I am confident that the wealth of experience and expertise that each of you brings to this board will be instrumental in steering FAAN towards achieving its mission,” he added.
Keyamo further charged the board members to uphold the mandates outlined in the FAAN Act, stressing governance, transparency, and dedication as key pillars. “You are not merely figureheads; you are the architects of our aviation future,” he stated, highlighting the importance of safety, sustainable development, and improved passenger experience.
In response, Ganduje pledged the board’s commitment to supporting the ministry and FAAN’s objectives. “As a board, we will assist you in moving this ministry to the next level. There is no doubt we will study the Act of FAAN in order to see our boundary, so that we do not exceed our boundary,” he explained, acknowledging the common friction between boards and executive management.
He assured that the board would avoid mediocrity and focus on service delivery despite the complexity of stakeholders involved. “We must exhibit our services to the best international standards,” Ganduje affirmed, underscoring Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa’s aviation landscape.
