The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called on the newly inaugurated Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to rise to the challenge of transforming Nigeria’s airports into safe, efficient and passenger-centric gateways that reflect the aspirations of the nation.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday, Keyamo stressed that the board’s role is not merely administrative but transformational, tasked with delivering tangible progress in line with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda.
In his address, the Minister outlined the core expectations of the Federal Government, urging the board members to prioritise safety and security, champion sustainable development, enhance passengers’ travel experience, and build strong, cooperative relationships both within FAAN and across the broader aviation ecosystem. He reminded the new board that their stewardship would directly impact not only the aviation sector but also the national image and economy.
“As you embark on this new chapter, remember that the eyes of the nation are upon you,” Keyamo declared. “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.”
The Minister urged the members to see themselves not just as board appointees but as custodians of national infrastructure and public trust.
He emphasized the need for unity, transparency, and a forward-thinking mindset that aligns with the aspirations of a rapidly evolving aviation landscape. “As we inaugurate this new board, we carry the weight of expectation that we must continue to foster an environment where aviation can thrive, connect diverse regions, and promote socioeconomic development across our nation,” he said.
The new Chairman of the Board, Dr. Umar Ganduje, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), responded with a firm pledge of commitment and teamwork. He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for entrusting them with the responsibility to guide FAAN’s future and vowed to lead with integrity and vision.
“We must appreciate President Bola Tinubu for finding us worthy of this appointment to serve as the board members of this great institution,” Ganduje said. “Minister, I assure you that FAAN under us is going to be great by Allah’s grace, and we will work as a team to ensure success.”
He encouraged fellow board members to embrace their roles with dedication, noting that their success would depend on how well they collaborate, innovate, and implement policies that would position Nigerian airports as modern and competitive.
Also speaking at the inauguration, the Managing Director of FAAN, Ms. Olubunmi Kuku, welcomed the new board with optimism and reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with them to strengthen the authority’s operations and service delivery. She noted that FAAN’s future lies in how well it can meet the expectations of passengers, regulators, and global aviation partners.
“I am truly grateful for the appointment of the new Board members, and I pledge to provide all necessary support to ensure FAAN enhances its service delivery and continues to satisfy passengers both within and outside Nigeria,” Kuku stated.
She expressed confidence that the synergy between management and the new board would usher in a new era of innovation, efficiency, and excellence across Nigerian airports.
The inauguration of the new FAAN board, stakeholders noted, signals a renewed commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure for global competitiveness. With a team that blends political experience, technical knowledge, and public service dedication, stakeholders now look forward to a dynamic phase of development, where Nigeria’s airports can become veritable symbols of national progress and pride.