The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday, inaugurated the board members of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The minister charged the newly inaugurated members of the board to prioritise safety, security, and passenger experience in their new roles.
The Chairman of the Board is Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, and other members are Engr. T. P. Vembe, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Ms. Dorothy Duruaka, Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman, Engr. Nasiru Muazu, Dr. Omozojie Okoboh and Mrs. Bridget Gold.
Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister stated the role FAAN plays in Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that the Authority’s success is not measured by financial growth but by its impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The Minister tasked the Board Members to ensure safety and security, promote sustainable development, enhance passenger experience, and foster collaboration with other agencies and organisations.
He said, “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.
“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.
“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”.
On some of the areas of priority, Keyamo said, “It is imperative that our airports not only facilitate travel but also guarantee the safety and security of all users. You must prioritise enhancing our airport security measures in line with international best practices.
“As we strive for excellence, we must also advocate for sustainable practices that will safeguard our environment for future generations while boosting our economy.
“The passenger should always be at the centre of our operations. Improvements in service delivery, customer satisfaction, and the overall airport experience should be paramount on your agenda
“Aviation is a global industry. As such, we must foster partnerships with other governmental and non-governmental agencies, international organisations, and the private sector to grow our aviation economy.”
He urged them to work towards elevating the standards of the aviation sector, improving connectivity, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.
Speaking on behalf of the board members, Ganduje assured that they would study the FAAN Act and work in line with the Act to improve service delivery.
He said, “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. But at the same time, we will study so we do not exhibit mediocrity by not doing what we are expected to do.
“We will ensure service delivery. Because that is the whole essence of FAAN. Service delivery is becoming complicated because there are so many stakeholder institutions, both at the national level and the international level, and we must be conscious of Nigeria as a country that is a leading country in Africa. So, we must exhibit our services to the best international standards.
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“We will ensure effective institutional governance and effective compliance with regulatory limits because this aspect is dynamic, as it deals with international communities.
“We will ensure passenger satisfaction and the functionality of infrastructural facilities because it is very important. Once you drop off at the airport and the infrastructural facilities are not functioning, that is the first impression the passenger will have not only on FAAN, not only on the Ministry of Aviation, but on the whole country.”
The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, promised to work with the board members and the Ministry to provide an environment with improved passenger experience.
She expressed hope that Nigerians and others will be proud of the visible work that will be done by the board at the end of its tenure.
