By John Umeh
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially appointed Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the former Governor of Kano State, as the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The appointment was formally announced and unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), during a brief but significant ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday.
This latest move underscores the government’s renewed focus on enhancing governance, accountability, and infrastructure development within Nigeria’s aviation sector. Ganduje’s appointment comes at a time when FAAN is undergoing several critical reforms aimed at improving service delivery, expanding airport capacity, and ensuring global compliance with international aviation standards.
A Strategic Appointment
While introducing Ganduje as the new board chair, Festus Keyamo described the appointment as a strategic decision meant to bring experienced leadership and political coordination to a key agency that oversees airport operations across the country.
“Dr. Ganduje has a wealth of experience in public service, and his administrative acumen will bring immense value to the oversight and policy guidance FAAN needs at this critical time,” Keyamo stated.
The minister further emphasized that the Federal Government is keen on repositioning FAAN not only to enhance passenger experience at Nigerian airports but also to make the aviation sector more commercially viable and globally competitive.
Ganduje’s Track Record
Ganduje, who served two terms as Governor of Kano State (2015–2023), has had a long career in public administration and governance. He previously held positions in Nigeria’s federal bureaucracy and is credited with overseeing large-scale infrastructural projects during his time in office.
While his appointment has sparked mixed reactions in some quarters due to his political background, supporters argue that Ganduje’s deep understanding of public institutions, as well as his experience in managing complex systems, will benefit FAAN’s board operations.
In his acceptance remarks, Ganduje expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to work collaboratively with other board members, FAAN management, and the Ministry of Aviation to move the agency forward.
“It is a great honor to be entrusted with this responsibility. We will work diligently to ensure that Nigerian airports reflect the quality and efficiency our citizens deserve,” Ganduje said.
Expectations for the New FAAN Board
With Ganduje at the helm of the FAAN board, expectations are high that the agency will experience stronger oversight, better coordination with stakeholders, and improved policy direction. FAAN, which manages over 20 airports across Nigeria, plays a vital role in the country’s transportation infrastructure and international image.
Among the top priorities for the new board are:
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Upgrading airport facilities to meet international standards
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Improving passenger safety and convenience
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Tackling financial inefficiencies and leakages
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Encouraging private sector investment in airport infrastructure
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Implementing the aviation roadmap developed by the Federal Ministry of Aviation
Ganduje’s political influence is also expected to strengthen FAAN’s ability to collaborate with state governments, lawmakers, and other agencies whose support is essential for successful project execution.
Reactions and Criticism
The announcement has drawn both commendation and criticism. Some aviation stakeholders welcomed the move, calling it “a bold step” toward reform, while others questioned the rationale of placing a former politician in a technically sensitive position.
However, Minister Keyamo defended the appointment, saying it is consistent with the structure of many federal boards in Nigeria, which often combine technical and political leadership to ensure effective governance and accountability.
The appointment of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as the Chairman of the FAAN Board signals a new chapter for Nigeria’s aviation sector. With growing passenger traffic, aging airport infrastructure, and increasing international scrutiny, FAAN stands at a crossroads.
It remains to be seen how effectively the new board, under Ganduje’s leadership, will steer the authority toward operational excellence and international competitiveness. For now, industry observers and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this new leadership team delivers on its mandate.
