Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Appointed Chairman Of The Board Of The Federal Airports Authority Of Nigeria.
In a significant development for Nigeria’s aviation sector, President Bola Tinubu has appointed 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 was made during the formal inauguration of the newly constituted FAAN board in Abuja on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, marking a new chapter in the country’s efforts to reform its aviation industry.
The inauguration, led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, saw Ganduje and seven other board members take up their roles, with a clear mandate to elevate Nigeria’s airports to global standards. The board includes FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, who will serve as Vice-Chairman, alongside Mrs. Bridget Gold (Secretary), Mrs. Dorothy Duruaka, Ahmed Ibrahim Sulaiman, Engr. Nasiru Muazu, Dr. Omozojie Okoboh, and Engr. Peter Vembe, representing various ministries and aviation expertise.
Speaking at the ceremony, Keyamo outlined four core priorities for the board: ensuring safety and security, promoting sustainable development, enhancing passenger experience, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders to position Nigeria as a regional aviation hub. He emphasised that FAAN’s success should not be measured solely by financial growth but by its impact on ordinary Nigerians, stating, “Your work will ensure that our airports become not just gateways to the world but also symbols of national pride and progress.”
Ganduje, in his response, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the appointment and pledged to lead with transparency and innovation. “This is a national assignment I take seriously,” he said, vowing to study the FAAN Act to ensure the board operates within its legal boundaries while collaborating closely with the Ministry and other agencies. He stressed the importance of passenger satisfaction and adherence to international best practices, promising a legacy of visible transformation at Nigeria’s airports.
The appointment follows Ganduje’s resignation as APC National Chairman on 27 June 2025, a move that sparked speculation about internal party dynamics and potential realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Some reports suggest his exit was influenced by President Tinubu’s efforts to accommodate political rival Rabiu Kwankwaso, though these claims remain unconfirmed. Ganduje’s transition to FAAN is seen by many as a strategic move to leverage his extensive experience in governance and public service.
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, FAAN’s Managing Director, also spoke at the event, expressing optimism about the board’s potential to drive significant reforms. She pledged to work closely with the new leadership to deliver world-class service and infrastructure, ensuring passenger satisfaction and operational excellence.
The inauguration signals a bold step in the Tinubu administration’s aviation reform agenda, with expectations high for the new board to address longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s airport network. As the country seeks to strengthen its position as a leading aviation hub in Africa, Ganduje’s leadership will be closely watched by stakeholders and the public alike.
