By Joy Yesufu
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the appointment of former All Progressives Congress national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje as Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Board.
The announcement was confirmed in a video shared on X by Keyamo’s Special Adviser on Digital Media, Gbenga Saka, on Wednesday.
In unveiling Ganduje for the role, Keyamo praised his predecessor’s service and stressed the importance of strong leadership at FAAN to improve airport infrastructure and operational efficiency nationwide.
“We need a board chair who can drive reforms, enhance passenger experience, and ensure airports meet international safety and security standards,” the minister said, noting Ganduje’s extensive administrative experience.
Ganduje, who served as Kano State governor from 2015 to 2023 before becoming APC national chairman, inherits oversight of FAAN’s network of federal airports, including Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Industry observers expect his tenure to focus on reducing delays, modernizing terminal facilities, and addressing funding shortfalls.
Critics have questioned the appointment on partisan grounds, pointing to calls for more technocratic selections in key aviation roles.
In response, Keyamo emphasized that Ganduje was chosen for his managerial track record and familiarity with federal infrastructure projects, not party politics.
Ganduje is expected to be formally sworn in next week alongside other newly constituted FAAN board members.
His first task will be to present a strategic plan for completing ongoing terminal upgrades and expanding capacity at Nigeria’s busiest airports.
