President Bola Tinubu has named former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje as the new Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), just weeks after securing his resignation amid preparations for Rabiu Kwankwaso’s defection into the ruling party.
This Newspaper recalls how Ganduje was made to resign by the President amidst reports of Rabiu Kwankwaso’s defection to the ruling Party. It’s worthy to note that Ganduje and Kwankwaso are sworn political enemies with the latter pulling more political influence in their home state of Kano.
Kwankwaso’s party, NNPP, currently controls the State and its common knowledge that it is imperative to win the state in order to secure victory in any Presidential election in the country.
The appointment was unveiled on Wednesday in a video shared by Gbenga Saka, media aide to the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.
At the inauguration ceremony, Minister Keyamo charged the new board with a “critical mandate,” reminding them that they are “not merely figureheads; you are the architects of our aviation future.” He urged them to uphold the Federal Airports Authority Act by “ensuring safety and security; promoting sustainable development; enhancing passenger experience; fostering collaboration.”
He concluded: “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.”
Alongside Mr. Ganduje, the board’s roster includes Bridget Gold as Secretary; Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku; Dorothy Duruaka; Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman; Nasiru Muazu; and Omozojie Okoboh. Reacting to his new role, Mr. Ganduje pledged to respect the division of responsibilities between the board, FAAN 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 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.”
