Abuja: Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has called on stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on continuous evolution and innovation to advance the aviation sector. Ganduje made the call while speaking with participants at the FAAN Board and Stakeholders Retreat in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme of the retreat, ‘Future-Proofing FAAN: Leadership, Modernisation and Strategic Renewal’, reflected President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on revitalising Nigeria’s airports and strengthening the aviation ecosystem. Ganduje commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for his vision and support and emphasised the need to build a modern, efficient, and innovative FAAN that is financially sustainable and globally competitive.
Ganduje stated, “We must strengthen our leadership culture, accelerate modernisation, invest in staff welfare and capacity development, and i
mprove operational efficiency.” He encouraged open dialogue, honest reflection, and constructive engagement, urging stakeholders to question assumptions, propose new ideas, and challenge themselves to think boldly.
In her remarks, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, highlighted that the authority’s future relies on leadership, modernisation, and strategic renewal. Kuku noted that FAAN, under her leadership, operates on a clear, open-door policy, which fosters innovation, transparency, and collaborative problem-solving. She emphasised the importance of enhancing infrastructure and ensuring all airports are safe, secure, and welcoming for guests.
Kuku expressed her appreciation to the Board Chairman and members for their dedication and guidance toward steering FAAN to its full potential. She stated, “I am confident that, with the calibre of leaders assembled here, this retreat will be a great success. The retreat is expected to yield actionable strategies for FAAN’s growth and development.”
In a goodw
ill message, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, praised FAAN for its contributions to the country’s socio-economic development and encouraged the agency to continue its efforts. Similarly, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Rep. Abdullah Garba, represented by his Vice, Hon. Festus Akingbaso, urged FAAN to prioritise safety, sustainability, and passenger experience.
Garba emphasised the importance of restructuring FAAN’s directorates and departments to ensure optimal operational efficiency, stating, “The safety and security of our airports and airspaces must remain non-negotiable.” He called for continuous investment in and adherence to the highest standards of safety and security protocols across all Nigerian airports, adopting best global practices to safeguard lives and assets. Garba also highlighted the need for FAAN to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable aviation operations.