We’ll not overstep our boundary — Ganduje breaks silence after FAAN board Appointment
We’ll not overstep our boundary — Ganduje breaks silence after FAAN board Appointment
After 13 years of running without a Board, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has inaugurated the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) chaired by the immediate past chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Ganduje
Checks by Daily Trust revealed that for the eight years of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, the authority and other aviation agencies were administered without a board.
Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State, was inaugurated with other members of the board, including the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku; Dorothy Duruaka; Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman; Engr. Nasiru Muazu; Omozojie Okoboh; Engr. TP Vembe, and Bridget Gold, who will serve as secretary of the board.
The former governor promised that the board would study the Act of the authority to ensure they do not go outside the remit of their responsibility.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Aviation Keyamo said: “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.
“The challenges we face are numerous—from infrastructure deficits to the ever-evolving dynamics of global aviation. Yet, I am confident that the wealth of experience and expertise that each of you brings to this board will be instrumental in steering FAAN towards achieving its mission.”
He further charged the newly inaugurated board to support FAAN and carry out their duties as stipulated in the FAAN Act, noting that, “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.
Responding, the new board chairman of FAAN Ganduje pledged the commitment and support of the board members in ensuring the progress of FAAN and the ministry.
According to him, “as a board, we will assist you to move this ministry to the next level. There is no doubt we will study the Act of FAAN in order to see our boundary, so that we do not exceed our boundary. I know this is a common problem between boards and the executive management and the ministry. So we are fully conscious of this. Therefore, myself and the board members 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.”
In her remarks, the FAAN managing director Kuku pledged to work with the new board effectively to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of FAAN.
