…..New era for Nigerian aviation begins with inauguration of FAAN Board- minister
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and newly inaugurated Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Board, has thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his appointment while pledging to revolutionize Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Ganduje made this commitment during Wednesday’s inauguration ceremony, vowing to implement measurable improvements across the nation’s airports.
“We must exhibit our services to the best international standards,” Ganduje declared. “Honorable Minister, I assure you, we will ensure effective institutional governance and compliance with regulatory limits, because this aspect is dynamic.”
Ganduje emphasised the importance of passenger satisfaction and functional airport facilities, stating that Nigeria’s global reputation depends on efficient aviation operations.
“Once you drop in the airport, if the infrastructure facilities are not functioning, that is a negative impression—not only on aviation but on the whole country,” he said.
“We must ensure passenger satisfaction, and this is a dynamic process that requires constant attention.”
He also stressed the need for a positive attitude among airport staff and stakeholders, warning that poor service delivery could harm Nigeria’s image.
“You can have the best services and infrastructure, but if the attitude of stakeholders is not positive, it gives a bad impression,” Ganduje noted. “We will address this through training, retreats, and effective management.”
The former APC National Chairman acknowledged the complexities of international aviation regulations, pledging that FAAN under his leadership would adhere to global best practices.
“Dealing with international communities means we will encounter different regulations, and we must abide by them,” he said. “We must be conscious that Nigeria is a leading country in Africa, and our airports must reflect that leadership.”
Ganduje extended his appreciation to President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation for entrusting him with the role, promising proactive leadership.
“I thank Mr. President for appointing us for this important assignment,” he said. “We will not disappoint. There will be more mechanisms in place to ensure we deliver results.”
He concluded with a firm commitment to positioning Nigeria’s aviation sector as a continental benchmark. “We will be at the forefront of excellence,” Ganduje affirmed.
The new FAAN Board is expected to hold retreats with key aviation managers to strategize on improving service delivery, infrastructure, and regulatory adherence.
In a related development, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, heralded a transformative phase for Nigeria’s aviation sector during Tuesday’s inauguration of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) board members.
Emphasising FAAN’s mandate under the 1996 Act, the Minister stated: “We must provide world-class aviation infrastructure meeting international safety standards.” The speech outlined four critical mandates for the new board: enhanced security, sustainable development, passenger experience, and global collaboration.
“You are not merely figureheads but architects of our aviation future,” the Minister charged the new members, adding: “Your work will make our airports gateways to the world and symbols of national pride.”
The Minister particularly stressed that “the passenger should always be at the center of our operations,” while warning that “FAAN’s success isn’t measured by financial growth alone, but by its impact on ordinary Nigerians.”
Concluding with a vision for sectoral transformation, the Minister rallied: “Together, let us elevate aviation standards, improve connectivity, and enhance quality of life for all Nigerians.”
The newly inaugurated board now faces the task of delivering on these expectations as Nigeria’s aviation sector enters this new chapter.
The newly inaugurated FAAN Board members include:
His Excellency Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje (OFR) as Chairman, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku (Managing Director of FAAN), Mrs. Bridget Gold (Director of Legal Services at FAAN), Mrs. Dorothy Duruaka (Director of International Trade and Cooperation at the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy), Ahmed Ibrahim Sulaiman (Director of Air Force at the Ministry of Defense), Engineer Nasiru Muazu (Dean of Air Traffic Service at NCAT), Dr. Omozojie Okoboh (representing the Ministry of Justice), and Engineer Peter Vembe (Director of Aerodrome Development at the Ministry of Aviation).
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