Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday officially unveiled former APC National Chairman and ex-Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The inauguration, held in Abuja, also included the induction of other board members: FAAN Managing Director, Ms. Olubunmi Kuku; Ms. Dorothy Duruaka; Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman; Nasiru Muazu; Omozojie Okoboh; T.P. Vembe; and Bridget Gold, who will serve as secretary of the board.

Ganduje’s appointment comes just days after his resignation as national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his address, Keyamo charged the new board with a clear and urgent mandate to reposition Nigeria’s aviation sector and strengthen FAAN’s institutional capacity.

“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,” he said. “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, and fostering collaboration.”

Keyamo emphasized that the nation’s eyes would be on the board, adding, “The success of FAAN is not measured merely by financial growth but by the impact it has on the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Our airports must become not just gateways to the world but symbols of national pride and progress.”

He acknowledged the significant challenges facing the aviation industry, ranging from infrastructure deficits to global market shifts, but expressed confidence in the board’s ability to meet expectations.

In his response, Ganduje pledged full cooperation and support for the ministry’s vision and committed to responsible and effective governance.

“As a board, we will assist you in moving this ministry to the next level,” Ganduje said. “We will carefully study the FAAN Act to understand our boundaries, to avoid conflict between the board, executive management, and the ministry. We are aware that overstepping can be a common issue, but we will be mindful not to underperform either.”

He added that service delivery would be a top priority under his leadership.

“In conjunction with the executive management, we will ensure optimal service delivery, which is the core of FAAN’s mission. With the growing complexity of aviation and the presence of multiple stakeholders—both national and international—we must hold ourselves to the highest global standards,” he said.

The board is expected to play a central role in helping FAAN achieve its goals of safety, operational excellence, and global competitiveness.