In a significant move within Nigeria’s aviation sector, Abdullahi Ganduje, former APC National Chairman and ex-Governor of Kano State, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) board. The appointment was officially unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a formal inauguration in Abuja.
The ceremony also saw the induction of other board members, including FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku and secretary Bridget Gold, among others. This appointment follows Ganduje’s recent resignation from his political party leadership role.
Minister Keyamo highlighted the critical expectations placed on the board, emphasizing the need to foster an aviation environment that promotes connectivity and socioeconomic growth across Nigeria. He acknowledged the sector’s challenges, including infrastructure deficits and the need to keep pace with global aviation trends.
Keyamo expressed optimism about the board’s capacity to navigate these challenges, urging members to embrace transparency and governance as outlined in the FAAN Act. He urged the board to focus on safety, sustainability, and enhancing passenger experiences as part of their mandate.
Ganduje, speaking at the event, committed the board to a collaborative approach with the ministry and FAAN’s management. He emphasized the importance of understanding the legal framework to avoid overstepping boundaries, a common issue in board-executive relations.
He assured that the board would prioritize service delivery and meet international standards, recognizing Nigeria’s role as a continental leader in aviation services.