Adekunle Sulaimon
In a strategic move that underscores the federal government’s continued emphasis on consolidating experience within key sectors, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday, officially inaugurated Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Governor of Kano State, as the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The announcement, made during a formal inauguration ceremony in Abuja, came just days after Ganduje’s resignation from his position as party chairman — a transition that has stirred reactions across political and professional circles.
The event, which was captured in a video shared on social media by Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Digital Media, Gbenga Saka, also featured the swearing-in of other FAAN board members. Among them were Ms. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN; Ms. Dorothy Duruaka; Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman; Nasiru Muazu; Omozojie Okoboh; TP Vembe; and Bridget Gold, who will serve as board secretary.
Speaking during the inauguration, Keyamo emphasized the gravity of the responsibilities the new board will shoulder. “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 Minister acknowledged the significant challenges facing the sector, ranging from infrastructure deficits to evolving global aviation dynamics, but expressed optimism that the collective experience of the board would drive positive outcomes.
“You are not merely figureheads; you are the architects of our aviation future. Your role demands a meticulous approach to governance, a commitment to transparency, and an unwavering dedication to the principles enshrined in the Federal Airports Authority Act,” Keyamo stressed.
Responding to the call, Dr. Ganduje assured Nigerians of the board’s dedication to efficient service delivery and high governance standards. He acknowledged the delicate balance required between the board, executive management, and ministry.
“As a board, we will assist you in moving this ministry to the next level,” Ganduje said. “There is no doubt we will study the Act of FAAN in order to see our boundary, so that we do not exceed it. I know this is a common problem between boards and executive management. Therefore, we are fully conscious of this.”
While promising to avoid mediocrity, he also noted the growing complexity of the aviation industry, particularly with the involvement of numerous domestic and international stakeholders. “We must be conscious of Nigeria as a country that is a leading country in Africa. Therefore, we must exhibit our services to the best international standards,” Ganduje added.
The appointment has already generated debate in political and civil society spheres. While some have questioned the optics of rewarding a recently resigned party chairman with another high-profile post, others believe his long-standing administrative experience could inject much-needed discipline into the aviation sector.
Aviation policy analyst, Dr. Femi Odesanya, commented: “There’s a strong argument for injecting political experience into strategic government boards. But aviation governance demands more than political clout—it requires technical understanding and global foresight. If Ganduje brings a team that listens to experts, this might just work.”
In Kano, where Ganduje served two terms as governor, reactions were mixed. While supporters hailed it as recognition of his loyalty and leadership acumen, critics viewed it as political recycling. “We expected his resignation to herald a quiet phase,” said Hajara Musa, a civil rights advocate based in Kano. “But instead, he’s been handed another national role. It raises serious questions about political accountability.”
Within FAAN, staff reportedly expressed cautious optimism, hoping that the new board would prioritize long-overdue upgrades in terminal infrastructure, staff welfare, and passenger experience at Nigerian airports.
The new board assumes office at a critical time for FAAN. With recent aviation audits by international agencies highlighting security concerns and infrastructure decay at several Nigerian airports, public confidence is at stake.
Nigeria’s aviation sector is also contending with the ripple effects of global inflation, currency instability, and an increasing demand for air travel from both local and diaspora populations.
FAAN has come under pressure to enhance the efficiency of airports nationwide, improve customer service, and meet international aviation safety standards—especially as Nigeria continues to position itself as a regional transport hub.
Keyamo’s closing remarks at the inauguration were a clarion call: “The success of FAAN is not measured merely by financial growth but by the impact it has on the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Your work will ensure that our airports become not just gateways to the world but also symbols of national pride and progress.”
As Ganduje and the new board settle into their roles, Nigerians will be watching closely. The hope is that this new leadership can balance political experience with operational efficiency, transparency, and a reform-driven agenda.
The ball is now firmly in the court of the newly constituted FAAN board to chart a forward-looking course in an industry that directly connects Nigeria to the rest of the world.