Ganduje Inaugurated as FAAN Board Chair Amid Controversy

 Abdullahi Ganduje, the former Kano State Governor, was inaugurated as the Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Board on July 9, 2025, during a ceremony at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Abuja. 

The appointment, announced by Minister Festus Keyamo on July 5, 2025, aims to leverage Ganduje’s political experience to enhance airport management and security across Nigeria’s 22 airports. The event, attended by 150 stakeholders, including aviation executives, marked the beginning of a three-year term for the 10-member board.

Ganduje’s selection has sparked controversy due to ongoing corruption allegations from his tenure as governor, including a $413,000 bribery case under investigation by the EFCC. Supporters argue his leadership could streamline FAAN’s $3 billion annual budget, while critics, including the opposition PDP, question the appointment’s merit, citing potential conflicts of interest. 

Keyamo defended the choice, emphasizing Ganduje’s administrative background, though no specific policy agenda was detailed. The inauguration included a handover from the outgoing chair, with plans for an emergency board meeting on July 12 to address recent airport security lapses. Public reaction remains divided, with aviation unions calling for transparency.