The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced Abdullahi Ganduje, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, as the new Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The announcement was confirmed through a video shared on X by the minister’s Special Adviser on Digital Media, Gbenga Saka, during the official inauguration ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday. This introduction of Ganduje comes only a few days after his resignation from his position as the party chairman.
Ganduje, who also previously served as the governor of Kano State, was inaugurated alongside other members of the FAAN board. These include the managing director of FAAN, Ms Olubunmi Kuku; Ms Dorothy Duruaka; Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman; Nasiru Muazu; Omozojie Okoboh; TP Vembe, and Bridget Gold, who will act as the board’s secretary.
While addressing the newly inaugurated board, Keyamo noted, “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.
“The challenges we face are numerous—from infrastructure deficits to the ever-evolving dynamics of global aviation. Yet, 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.”
Keyamo also urged the new board to stay dedicated to their responsibilities under the FAAN Act. “To the newly inaugurated board members, you have been entrusted with a critical mandate. You are not merely figureheads; you are the architects of our aviation future. Your role demands a meticulous approach to governance, a commitment to transparency, and an unwavering dedication to the principles enshrined in the Federal Airports Authority Act. These include: ensuring safety and security; promoting sustainable development: enhancing passenger experience; fostering collaboration.
“As you embark on this new chapter, remember that the eyes of the nation are upon you. The success of FAAN is not measured merely by financial growth but by the impact it has on the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Your work will ensure that our airports become not just gateways to the world but also symbols of national pride and progress,” he noted.
In response, Ganduje pledged the board’s support to the ministry and promised to follow the law closely. He said, “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. I know this is a common problem between the boards and the executive management and the ministry. So we are fully conscious of this. Therefore, the board members and I will study the Act so that we do not go out of bounds, we do not overshoot. But at the same time, we do not exhibit mediocrity by not doing what we are expected to do.
“I assure you, in conjunction with the executive management, we will ensure service delivery because that is the whole essence of FAAN. Service delivery and this service delivery is becoming more and more complicated because there are so many stakeholder institutions, both at the national level and the international level. And we must be conscious of Nigeria as a country that is a leading country in Africa. Therefore, we must exhibit our services to the best international standards.”
