The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, has urged the newly inaugurated board members of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to make safety, environmental sustainability and passenger experience the guiding principles of their work.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held in Abuja, Keyamo emphasised the board’s crucial role in redefining Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem and driving national development through improved airport services. The board is chaired by a former governor of Kano State, Dr. Umar Ganduje whose appointment is seen as part of a broader push to reform and revitalise the sector.
The minister described the new board as a team of professionals tasked with not only administrative oversight but also with shaping the future of Nigerian aviation. He challenged them to rise above tokenism and deliver transformative results.
“To the newly inaugurated board members, you have been entrusted with a critical mandate,” Keyamo declared. “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.”
He urged the board to champion policies and initiatives that promote safe, modern and functional airports capable of competing on the global stage.
Keyamo outlined four key areas the board must prioritise: First, he said, is safety and security, which he described as non-negotiable. “Our airports must not only facilitate travel but guarantee the safety and security of all users. Enhancing our airport security measures in line with international best practices is imperative,” he stated.
Second, the minister emphasised sustainable development, urging the board to adopt eco-conscious infrastructure and operational practices that minimise environmental impact while creating economic value.
Third, he stressed the importance of enhancing passenger experience, insisting that customer satisfaction must be placed at the centre of FAAN’s operational ethos. “Improvements in service delivery and the overall airport experience should be paramount on your agenda,” he said.
Lastly, Keyamo called for collaboration across sectors. “Aviation is a global industry. We must build meaningful partnerships with other government agencies, international organisations and the private sector to grow our aviation economy,” he said.
In his concluding remarks, the minister noted that the success of FAAN must not be measured solely by revenue or expansion, but by how it touches 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,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the board, Dr. Umar Ganduje thanked the minister and President Bola Tinubu for the trust reposed in him and his team. He pledged to work closely with the ministry and FAAN’s management to deliver on the mandate.
“We are conscious of the responsibilities before us. Board members and I will study the FAAN Act thoroughly to ensure we operate within our legal boundaries and avoid both overreach and mediocrity,” Ganduje said.
He outlined several priorities for the board, including improving service delivery, complying with regulatory standards, ensuring infrastructure functionality and promoting positive engagement with stakeholders.
“Service delivery is becoming increasingly complex, especially with numerous national and international stakeholders involved. Nigeria, as a leading country in Africa, must ensure that its airport services meet the best global standards,” he said.
Ganduje also stressed the need for institutional efficiency, promising that the board will enforce regulatory compliance, ensure that rising passenger expectations are met, and that airport infrastructure remains fully operational. “We will pursue effective institutional governance, compliance with dynamic international regulations, and improve overall airport performance,” he added.
FAAN managing director and vice chair of the board, Olubunmi Kuku reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to collaboration with the ministry in achieving transformative change. She said the board’s focus would be on measurable progress and long-term improvements to Nigeria’s airport infrastructure.
“By the end of this administration, Nigerians will see visible changes at their airports. We are committed to driving a legacy of excellence and delivering results that the public can be proud of,” Kuku said.
The inauguration is seen as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s aviation reform agenda, setting high expectations for the new board to deliver on key areas such as efficiency, innovation, safety and customer satisfaction across Nigeria’s aviation network.
The newly reconstituted FAAN board comprises seasoned professionals from across government and the aviation sector. In addition to Chairman Dr. Umar Ganduje and Vice-Chair Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the board includes: the director of legal services at FAAN, Bridget Gold, who was appointed secretary to the board; the director of international tourism relations and cooperation at the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Dorothy Duruaka; the director of air force at the Ministry of Defence, Ahmed Sulaiman; the dean of air traffic services at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Engr. Nasiru Muazu; the representative of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Dr. Omozojie Okoboh and the director of aerodrome development at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Engr. Peter Vembe.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development said that, with this team in place, it is banking on coordinated leadership and shared accountability to deliver on its ambitious reform agenda.
As the country looks to grow its aviation sector and unlock its economic potential, stakeholders say the composition of this board signals a renewed seriousness about governance, infrastructure, and the overall traveller experience. Many believe the time for transformation is now, and all eyes will be on the board to deliver.
