After operating for over a decade without a formal board, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has received a new governing body, inaugurated by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.
The newly formed board is chaired by Dr. Umar Ganduje, former governor of Kano State and immediate past national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Other members include FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, Dorothy Duruaka, Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman, Engr. Nasiru Muazu, Omozojie Okoboh, Engr. T.P. Vembe, and Bridget Gold, who will serve as secretary.
However, the authority and other aviation agencies functioned without governing boards throughout the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
At the inauguration in Abuja, Minister Keyamo underscored the importance of the new board in repositioning the aviation sector. He highlighted key issues such as infrastructure deficits and the need to align with evolving global aviation standards.
“You are not just symbolic members. You are to shape the future of aviation in Nigeria,” he told the board. “Your responsibilities must reflect transparency, commitment to safety, passenger satisfaction, and sustainable development, all within the framework of the FAAN Act.”
In his remarks, Ganduje pledged that the board would operate strictly within the confines of its mandate.
“We are aware of the challenges that often arise between boards, executive management, and ministries,” he said.
“We will study the FAAN Act thoroughly to understand our limits, ensure we do not overstep, and also avoid underperformance. Our mission is to support the ministry in achieving its vision for the sector.”
FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, also committed to working closely with the board to ensure improved efficiency and effectiveness across the authority’s operations.
