The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has officially inaugurated a new Board for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), with former Kano State Governor and erstwhile National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, appointed as Chairman.
The unveiling of the board was confirmed in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Digital Media, Gbenga Saka.
The inauguration ceremony took place in Abuja on Wednesday and marks a significant transition for Ganduje, who recently resigned from his role as APC National Chairman.
Dr. Ganduje’s resignation, which occurred on Thursday, June 26, was attributed to personal and health-related reasons. His decision was formally conveyed in a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, Ganduje expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief for the opportunity to serve.
Following his exit, President Tinubu appointed Dalori as Acting National Chairman, pending a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to determine a substantive replacement.
At the FAAN board inauguration, Ganduje was joined by other newly appointed members: Ms Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of FAAN; Ms Dorothy Duruaka; Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman; Nasiru Muazu; Omozojie Okoboh; TP Vembe; and Bridget Gold, who will serve as the Board Secretary.
Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Keyamo underscored the vital role FAAN plays in national development and global aviation. He charged the new board with the responsibility of upholding the highest standards of governance, transparency, and service delivery.
“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,” he stated.
“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.”
The minister emphasized that the board members are not to serve as ceremonial figures, but as key architects of Nigeria’s aviation future.
He reminded them that their actions and decisions must align with the provisions of the Federal Airports Authority Act, which mandates the board to prioritize safety, security, sustainability, enhanced passenger experience, and collaborative development.
“The success of FAAN will not be measured solely by financial metrics, but by the tangible impact on the lives of everyday Nigerians,” he said. “Our airports must evolve into symbols of national pride and progress, not just points of transit.”
In his response, Dr. Ganduje assured the minister of the board’s readiness to align with the vision and operational boundaries defined by law. He pledged to collaborate closely with FAAN’s executive management, adding that board members would thoroughly study the FAAN Act to avoid overstepping their roles.
“We are aware of the recurring friction between boards and executive management,” Ganduje admitted. “We will be guided by the law and exercise our mandate responsibly—without mediocrity and without exceeding our jurisdiction.”
He further stressed the importance of improving service delivery within the aviation sector, especially in light of Nigeria’s position as a leading nation in Africa.
“Delivering high-quality service is the core of FAAN’s mandate,” Ganduje said. “With multiple stakeholders—both nationally and internationally—we must aim to meet and exceed global standards in all aspects of our operations.”
The inauguration of this new board is expected to bring renewed leadership and oversight to FAAN as Nigeria continues to expand its aviation infrastructure and service capabilities.