By Deborah Nnamdi
Just days after stepping down as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has been appointed and formally inaugurated as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The inauguration ceremony took place in Abuja and was conducted by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with Minister Festus Keyamo presiding over the event.
The occasion also saw the induction of seven other distinguished members representing key ministries and aviation-related institutions.
In his remarks, Minister Keyamo described the inauguration as a vital move toward revitalizing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“This is more than just a leadership change; it represents a renewed commitment to excellence, safety, and progress in our aviation industry. With this new board, we are taking concrete steps toward building world-class aviation infrastructure and advancing socio-economic growth,” he stated.
Welcoming Dr. Ganduje to his new role, Keyamo expressed confidence that the former governor’s experience and political influence would significantly enhance FAAN’s operations. Lightening the moment, he added humorously, “He’ll just press a button, and funds will be released.”
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ganduje expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust placed in him. He pledged to offer purposeful leadership in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We will thoroughly review the FAAN Act to ensure our actions remain within legal boundaries, avoiding conflicts among the board, executive management, and the ministry,” Ganduje said.
He also stressed the importance of service improvement, regulatory compliance, and maintaining functional infrastructure, noting that the board would focus on passenger satisfaction and international standards.
Ganduje emphasized the need for a shift in stakeholder attitudes, aiming to promote a more service-oriented culture within the aviation sector.
Speaking at the event, FAAN Managing Director/CEO Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku described the board’s inauguration as the beginning of a new era of collaboration and strategic development.
“With this level of leadership, I am confident we can elevate passenger experiences and reinforce institutional governance. The results of our work will speak for themselves,” she said.
The newly inaugurated FAAN board members are Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje – Chairman of the Board, Engr. T. P. Vembe – Director, Aerodrome Development Department, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development,
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku – Managing Director/CEO, FAAN, Ms. Dorothy Duruak – Director, International Tourism Relations and Cooperation, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.
Others are Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman – Director, Air Force Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Engr. Nasiru Muazu – Dean, Air Traffic Service and Communication School, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Dr. Omozojie Okoboh – Chief State Counsel, Federal Ministry of Justice / Board Secretary (Legal), and Mrs. Bridget Gold – Director, Legal Services, FAAN – Legal Adviser.
