Tinubu Appoints Ganduje as Chairman of FAAN Board

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The appointment, announced as part of ongoing reforms, signals the president’s continued effort to reposition key federal institutions—particularly within the aviation sector, a critical driver of Nigeria’s economic growth and global connectivity.

Dr. Ganduje’s vast political and administrative experience at both state and national levels is expected to bring a new layer of strategic oversight to FAAN’s operations. His leadership is seen by analysts as part of a broader attempt by the Tinubu administration to align federal agencies with national development priorities through politically seasoned appointments.

FAAN is charged with managing and maintaining all commercial airports across the country. The board plays a pivotal role in overseeing infrastructure development, safety standards, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency within the sector.

Ganduje’s appointment comes at a time when the aviation industry faces pressing challenges, including the need for airport modernization, improved service delivery, and enhanced regulatory enforcement.

While some stakeholders have welcomed the move as a step toward strengthening governance in the sector, others have raised concerns about the increasing trend of appointing political figures to head technical agencies—arguing it could blur the line between policy oversight and technocratic expertise.

The development has sparked renewed debate on the balance between political influence and professional capacity in managing Nigeria’s strategic institutions.