President Bola Tinubu has appointed a former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, as chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, a few weeks after forcing him to resign his position.

Peoples Gazette reported how Mr Ganduje was forced to resign his position ahead of the planned defection of a former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the ruling party.

However, Mr Ganduje has been compensated with another appointment. A video posted by Gbenga Saka, media aide to aviation minister, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday, announced the “Inauguration of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria @FAAN_Official Board, with Mr Ganduje serving as Chairman of the board.


The aviation minister at the inauguration of Mr Ganduje and other members of the board said “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. 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; fostering collaboration.


“As you embark on this new chapter, remember that the eyes of the nation are upon you. 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.”


Mr Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, was inaugurated alongside other members of the board. Bridget Gold was appointed secretary of the board, while managing director of FAAN, Ms Olubunmi Kuku, Ms Dorothy Duruaka, Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman, Nasiru Muazu, Omozojie Okoboh, were appointed members.


Reacting to his appointment, Mr Ganduje said “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.”