Keyamo Inaugurates Ganduje-led 8-man FAAN Governing Board

•Former APC chair calls for attitudinal change

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, yesterday inaugurated the newly appointed 8-man Governing Board of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The immediate past Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, is the Chairman of the Board.

Other members of the Board include Managing Director of FAAN, Ms. Olubunmi Kuku; Ms. Dorothy Duruaka; Ahmed Ibrahim Suleiman; Engr. Nasiru Muazu; Omozojie Okoboh; Engr. TP Vembe and Bridget Gold, who would serve as secretary of the board.

Keyamo, during the event in Abuja, emphasised the importance of the board’s role in steering FAAN towards achieving its mission.

The Aviation Minister in his remarks, charged the Board to prioritise airport security measures in line with international best practices.

The minister outlined the board’s key responsibilities to include: Advocating for sustainable practices that safeguard the environment while boosting the economy. Improving service delivery, customer satisfaction, and the overall airport experience.

Building partnerships with governmental and non-governmental agencies, international organisations, and the private sector to grow the aviation economy.

Keyamo, however, wished the board members success in their endeavors and expressed confidence that their tenure would be marked by remarkable achievements and milestones.

Responding, the Chairman of the board immediate past chairman of the APC called for stakeholders’ institutional charge in the agency.

The former Governor, who was present at the ceremony, assured the board of effective institutional governance even as he emphasised the importance of attitudinal change and commitment to excellence in the board’s operations.

Speaking on behalf of the members, Ganduje was quoted in a statement to have said: “The newly inaugurated board members have been entrusted with a critical mandate to steer FAAN towards achieving its mission.

“The minister has urged us to work towards elevating the standards of the aviation sector, improving connectivity, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.”

Ganduje added, “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 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.

“I assure you, in conjunction with the Executive Management, we will ensure service delivery. Because that is the whole essence of service delivery. And this service delivery is becoming more and more complicated.”

He further added: “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. Therefore, we must exhibit our services to the best international standards.

“We will ensure effective institutional governance. Also, we assure you, for effective compliance with regulatory limits. Because this aspect is dynamic as well.

“Dealing with international communities, you find regulations here and there. And we must abide by such regulations. We assure you, in conjunction with the Executive Management, we will ensure passenger increasing expectations, passenger satisfaction.

“And this one too is changing, it’s dynamic. We will also ensure the functionality of infrastructural facilities. Because that is very, very important.

“Once you drop in the airport, if the infrastructural facilities are not functioning, that is the first impression. Not only on fire, not only on the Ministry of Aviation, but on the whole country. Another issue that we have to ensure, Honourable Minister, is positive attitude in the sector

“Because this is where you can have the best services, the best infrastructural facilities. If the attitude of the stakeholders is not positive. That is another negative aspect.

“And it gives a bad perception on the country as a whole. Honourable Minister, I know eventually we will hold a retreat where the nitty-gritty of our functions will be outlined. Honourable Minister, I have to thank you for creating this enabling environment.”

Speaking further, Ganduje said: “The board’s success will be measured not only by financial growth but also by its impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“I have to thank Mr. President for appointing us for this important assignment. I assure you, the Renewed Hope Agenda is on course, and fun will be at the forefront.”