By Gabriel Agbeja
Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the Chairman of the Governing Board, 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 on Wednesday.
He said such collaboration would sustain long-term resilience, efficiency, and global relevance.
According to him, the theme of the retreat, “Future-Proofing FAAN: Leadership, Modernisation and Strategic Renewal”, reflected President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda – revitalising Nigeria’s airports and strengthening the aviation ecosystem.
Ganduje, who commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for his vision and support, emphasised the need to build a modern, efficient, and innovative FAAN that is financially sustainable and globally competitive.
“We must strengthen our leadership culture, accelerate modernisation, invest in staff welfare and capacity development, and improve operational efficiency.
“I encourage open dialogue, honest reflection, and constructive engagement, questioning assumptions, proposing new ideas, and challenging ourselves to think boldly,’’ he said.
In her remarks, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said the authority’s future relied on leadership, modernisation, and strategic renewal.
Kuku, who said that FAAN, under her leadership, operated on a clear, open-door policy, added that the approach fostered innovation, transparency, and collaborative problem-solving.
She emphasised the importance of enhancing infrastructure and ensuring all airports are safe, secure, and welcoming for the quests.
She expressed her appreciation to the Board Chairman, and members of the board for their dedication and guidance toward steering FAAN to its full potential.
Kuku expressed optimism that the retreat would be a great success toward a future-proof organisation.
“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,” she said.
In his goodwill message, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, commended FAAN for its impressive contributions to the country’s socio-economic development and encouraged the agency to do more.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Rep. Abdullah Garba, who was 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.
“The safety and security of our airports and airspaces must remain non-negotiable.
‘’We urge the board to continuously invest in and uphold the highest standards of safety and security protocols across all Nigerian airports by adopting best global practices to safeguard lives and assets.
“FAAN must also promote environmentally friendly and sustainable aviation operations.
“In an era of increasing environmental consciousness, promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable aviation operations is not just good practice, but an imperative,” he said.
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
