Ex-APC Chairman, Ganduje, Appointed FAAN Board Chair

July 9, 2025

 Barely two weeks after stepping down as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has been appointed Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The announcement was made on Tuesday during the formal inauguration of the newly constituted FAAN board held in Abuja. Ganduje, a two-term former governor of Kano State, now assumes a key federal role that places him at the helm of Nigeria’s airport infrastructure and aviation oversight.

Join our WhatsApp Channel

Ganduje’s appointment is seen as a strategic redeployment following his abrupt resignation from the APC leadership on 27 June 2025, reportedly due to internal party tensions and growing pressure from key stakeholders. His exit came less than a year after he was appointed National Chairman in August 2023.

The new FAAN board, whose formation was earlier approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in January 2025, is expected to provide policy direction and governance oversight for Nigeria’s airports, amid ongoing efforts to modernize aviation infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.

Ganduje, a seasoned administrator with decades of public service experience, brings to the role a record of political leadership and institutional management. He is widely remembered for spearheading infrastructural projects during his tenure as Kano governor, though his time in office was also marred by allegations of corruption and party factionalism.

READ ALSO: Why Ganduje Resigned As National Chairman – APC

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), emphasized the importance of competent leadership in the aviation sector, citing the board’s mandate to reposition FAAN for greater transparency, efficiency, and global competitiveness.

Ganduje’s appointment has already sparked reactions within political and civic circles. While some see it as a reward for loyalty and an opportunity to bring administrative experience to bear on the aviation sector, others question the optics of the move, citing unresolved controversies from his previous roles.

With Nigeria’s aviation sector facing mounting pressure to meet international standards and ensure safer, more efficient air travel, observers say the performance of the new FAAN board under Ganduje’s leadership will be closely watched.

READ ALSO: How Tinubu’s Political Maneuvering With Kwankwaso Led To Ganduje’s Resignation As APC Chairman

FAAN manages operations at Nigeria’s over 20 commercial airports, including major international gateways in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Its board oversees policy formulation, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships in a sector considered critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and global connectivity.

Ganduje’s first task will be to align the board’s vision with the federal government’s aviation roadmap, while also addressing legacy issues such as infrastructure decay, service delivery bottlenecks, and airport concession controversies.

As he settles into his new role, questions linger about whether the former party boss can steer FAAN toward a future of reform and revitalization or whether political undertones will continue to cloud the agency’s leadership.

+ posts

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Previous Story

Guinness Exits Loss Phase With N7.02bn Profit, Revenue Grows By 52%

Next Story

U.S. Restricts Nigerian Non-Immigrant Visas To Single Entry, Three-month Validity

Featured Stories

Latest from News

Simisola Bolatito Kosoko

Simi: Police to Review Alleged Sexualising Comments About Children

Authorities in Lagos have referred a controversy involving Nigerian singer Simi to the police for preliminary investigation, following the circulation of old social media posts attributed to the artist. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency said it could not ignore
FCCPC Clarifies One-Month Moratorium On Exploitative Pricing Amid Economic Challenges

FCCPC Flags Possible Airline Price-Fixing During 2025 Christmas Season

Nigeria’s consumer protection agency has uncovered evidence suggesting some domestic airlines may have engaged in price fixing during the 2025 Christmas travel rush. In an interim report released Thursday, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said ticket fares during December

Why Tinubu is Pushing to Establish State Police — Minister

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push for state police, saying the move is driven by growing security challenges and the limits of the current centralised system. Speaking during a courtesy visit by
Previous Story

Guinness Exits Loss Phase With N7.02bn Profit, Revenue Grows By 52%

Next Story

U.S. Restricts Nigerian Non-Immigrant Visas To Single Entry, Three-month Validity

Don't Miss

U.S. Troops Touch Down in Nigeria as 200-Member Deployment Begins

The first contingent of United States troops has arrived in
eNaira

CBN’s Godwin Emefiele Unveils New USSD Code For eNaira 10 Months After Launch

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed *997# as