UPDATED: GANDUJE APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF FAAN

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BY MAMMOOD UMAR

Shortly after stepping down as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has been inaugurated Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The announcement was made during the formal inauguration of newly appointed FAAN board members in Abuja.

The inauguration ceremony, which took place in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders in the aviation sector and marked a renewed push for strengthened oversight and operational efficiency within the authority.

The board comprises eight members, drawn from the Ministry of Aviation, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Defence, and also includes the Managing Director/CEO of FAAN.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Ganduje FAAN chairman back in January while still serving as the national chairman of APC

The event also saw the formal induction of seven other distinguished individuals representing key ministries and aviation institutions.

In his statements, Minister Keyamo characterized the event as an essential advancement toward transforming Nigeria’s aviation sector.

“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 new chairman’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 address, Dr. Ganduje expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for conferring upon him the position and committed to delivering intentional leadership in accordance 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 further added, “We are committed to enhancing service delivery, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining infrastructure functionality, and projecting a positive national image through our airports.”

Ganduje underscored the significance of attitude modification among stakeholders and assured that the board would prioritize passenger contentment and global best practices.

Also speaking, FAAN Managing Director/CEO Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku said the board’s inauguration marks a new chapter of collaboration and strategic growth for the authority.

“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.

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 Defense – 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