The minister of aviation and aerospace development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has charged the new board chairman of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and his team to be transparent and dedicated while carrying out their responsibility as enshrined in the agency’s Act.
The minister gave the charge while inaugurating the former governor of Kano State and seven other board members in Abuja on Wednesday.
The other were the director, aerodrome development department, federal ministry of aviation and aerospace development, Mr T. P. Vembe; MDCEO, FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; director, international tourism relations and cooperation in the federal ministry of art, culture, tourism, and creative economy, Ms Dorothy Duruak; director, air force affairs, ministry of defence, Mr Ahmed Suleiman; dean, air traffic service and communication school, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria, Mr Nasiru Muazu; chief state counsel, federal ministry of justice, Dr. Omozojie Okoboh, board secretary (legal) and director, legal services, FAAN (legal adviser).
Addressing the appointees, Keyamo said: “This occasion marks not just a change in leadership, but a renewed commitment to service, safety, and progress in our aviation sector. As we inaugurate this new board, we carry the weight of national expectation to build world-class aviation infrastructure and foster socio-economic development
“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.
“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.”
He further charged the newly inaugurated board to support FAAN and carry out their duties as stipulated in the FAAN Act.
“To the newly inaugurated board members, you have been entrusted with a critical mandate. 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. These include: ensuring safety and security; promoting sustainable development: enhancing passenger experience; fostering collaboration.
“As you embark on this new chapter, remember that the eyes of the nation are upon you. 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,” Keyamo said.
In his remarks, Ganduje pledged to provide purposeful leadership, be committed and avoid conflict with the management of FAAN
“We will study the FAAN Act carefully to operate within our legal boundaries and avoid conflicts between the board, executive management, and the ministry.
“As a board, we will assist you in moving this ministry to the next level. There is no doubt we will study the Act of FAAN in order to see our boundary, so that we do not exceed our boundary. I know this is a common problem between the boards and the executive management and the ministry. So we are fully conscious of this. Therefore, the board members and I will study the Act so that we do not go out of bounds, we do not overshoot. But at the same time, we do not exhibit mediocrity by not doing what we are expected to do,” he said.
The former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) added: “We are committed to enhancing service delivery, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining infrastructure functionality, and projecting a positive national image through our airports.”
Service delivery and this service delivery is becoming more and more complicated because there are so many stakeholder institutions, both at the national level and the international level. And 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.”
Also speaking, Kuku said the board’s inauguration marked a new chapter of collaboration and strategic growth for the authority.
“With this calibre of leadership, I am confident that we will improve passenger experience and strengthen institutional governance. The work we do will speak for itself,” declared.
