Barely days after resigning as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has taken on a new national assignment as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, was conducted by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and presided over by the Minister, Festus Keyamo. The event also saw the formal induction of seven other distinguished individuals representing key ministries and aviation institutions.
In his remarks, Keyamo described the occasion as a critical step toward repositioning 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 said.
While welcoming Ganduje to the new role, Keyamo expressed optimism that the former Kano State governor’s experience and influence would bring renewed efficiency to the operations of FAAN.
He also humorously noted that Ganduje’s appointment would ease the pressure on funding conversations, saying, “He will just press one button, and money will come out.”
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ganduje thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the role and pledged to provide purposeful leadership in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.
“We will study the FAAN Act carefully to operate within our legal boundaries and avoid conflicts between the board, executive management, and the ministry,” Ganduje stated.
He added, “We are committed to enhancing service delivery, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining infrastructure functionality, and projecting a positive national image through our airports.”
Ganduje emphasised the importance of attitude change among stakeholders and promised that the board would prioritise passenger satisfaction and international best practices.
Also speaking, FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, said the board’s inauguration marks a new chapter of collaboration and strategic growth for the authority.
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“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 added.
Other members inaugurated alongside Ganduje include the Director of the Aerodrome Development Department at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Engr. T. P. Vembe; the Director of International Tourism Relations and Cooperation at the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Ms. Dorothy Duruak; and the Director of Air Force Affairs at the Ministry of Defence, Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman.
Also on the board are the Dean of the Air Traffic Service and Communication School at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Engr. Nasiru Muazu; the Chief State Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Dr. Omozojie Okoboh, who will serve as the Board Secretary (Legal); and the Director of Legal Services at FAAN, Mrs. Bridget Gold, who will serve as Legal Adviser.
