Despite Resigning on ‘Health Grounds,’ Tinubu Compensates Ganduje, Appoints Him Chairman of FAAN Board
In a move many political pundits see as placatory, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the immediate past National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdulahi Umar Ganduje as the Chairman of the board of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The appointment comes after Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State was “forced” to resign as the national chairman of the APC. The former governor had claimed that he resigned on health grounds to allow him take care of his failing health.
Ganduje’s new role was announced in Abuja on Wednesday during the formal inauguration of newly appointed FAAN board members in Abuja by the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo.
Ganduje was inaugurated alongside seven other appointees drawn from various organisations within the aviation sector who will oversee the management of FAAN.
Speaking at the inauguration, Keyamo stated that the inauguration of the board was a positive step forward in the government’s efforts to make Nigerian aviation sector competitive.
According to him, “This occasion marks not just a change in leadership, but a renewed commitment to service, safety, and progress in our aviation sector. As we inaugurate this new board, we carry the weight of national expectation to build world-class aviation infrastructure and foster socio-economic development.”
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ganduje thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the role and pledged to provide purposeful leadership in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.
He said, “We will study the FAAN Act carefully to operate within our legal boundaries and avoid conflicts between the board, executive management, and the ministry.”
“We are committed to enhancing service delivery, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining infrastructure functionality, and projecting a positive national image through our airports.
The full list of the FAAN board members include:
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje: Chairman of the Board
Engr. T. P. Vembe: Director, Aerodrome Development Department, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development – Member
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku: Managing Director/CEO, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria – Member
Ms. Dorothy Duruak: Director, International Tourism Relations and Cooperation, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy – Member
Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman: Director, Air Force Affairs, Ministry of Defence – Member
Engr. Nasiru Muazu – Dean, Air Traffic Service and Communication School, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology – Member
Dr. Omozojie Okoboh – Chief State Counsel, Federal Ministry of Justice – Member / Board Secretary (Legal)
Mrs. Bridget Gold: Director, Legal Services, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria—Legal Advise
