Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who recently resigned as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been appointed and officially inaugurated as the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, was organized by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The event was presided over by the Minister, Festus Keyamo, and also featured the formal induction of seven distinguished individuals representing key ministries and aviation institutions.
During his remarks, Minister Keyamo described the occasion as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s aviation industry. “This occasion marks not just a change in leadership, but a renewed commitment to service, safety, and progress in our aviation sector. As we inaugurate this new board, we carry the weight of national expectation to build world-class aviation infrastructure and foster socio-economic development,” he stated.
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Expressing confidence in Ganduje’s new role, the Minister welcomed him and highlighted the potential benefits his experience could bring. “He will just press one button, and money will come out,” Keyamo humorously remarked, implying that Ganduje’s influence and leadership capacity could ease funding challenges within the sector.
In his acceptance speech, Ganduje extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust placed in him, pledging to provide purposeful leadership aligned with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “We will study the FAAN Act carefully to operate within our legal boundaries and avoid conflicts between the board, executive management, and the ministry,” he said.
He further emphasized his commitment to improving Nigeria’s aviation sector: “We are committed to enhancing service delivery, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining infrastructure functionality, and projecting a positive national image through our airports.” Ganduje also highlighted the need for a change in stakeholder attitudes, promising that the board would give priority to passenger satisfaction and international best practices.
Adding his voice to the proceedings, FAAN Managing Director and CEO, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, described the inauguration as the beginning of a new era of collaboration and strategic growth. “With this calibre of leadership, I am confident that we will improve passenger experience and strengthen institutional governance. The work we do will speak for itself,” she stated.
The ceremony marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s aviation industry, with expectations high that Ganduje’s leadership will steer FAAN toward greater efficiency and international prominence.
Members of the Newly Inaugurated FAAN Board:
1. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje: Chairman of the Board
2. Engr. T. P. Vembe: Director, Aerodrome Development Department, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development – Member
3. Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku: Managing Director/CEO, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria – Member
4. Ms. Dorothy Duruak: Director, International Tourism Relations and Cooperation, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy – Member
5. Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman: Director, Air Force Affairs, Ministry of Defence – Member
6. Engr. Nasiru Muazu – Dean, Air Traffic Service and Communication School, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology – Member
7. Dr. Omozojie Okoboh – Chief State Counsel, Federal Ministry of Justice – Member / Board Secretary (Legal)
8. Mrs. Bridget Gold: Director, Legal Services, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria – Legal Adviser