President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially appointed Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the new Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), marking a major political development and fueling widespread reactions across the country.
The announcement of Ganduje’s appointment was made on Tuesday during the inauguration ceremony of the newly reconstituted FAAN board held in Abuja. The event was attended by key government officials, aviation stakeholders, and political observers who described the move as both surprising and strategic.
Ganduje’s appointment comes only a few days after he formally stepped down from his position as APC National Chairman, a decision that followed mounting internal pressures and heated controversies within the ruling party. His sudden exit from the party’s leadership seat had already sparked speculations regarding his next political move, and this appointment has now clarified the presidency’s plan for him.
Many analysts believe the appointment is a deliberate and tactical move by President Tinubu to reposition Ganduje and maintain his influence within key national institutions, even outside of party politics. Critics, however, have questioned the timing and expressed concerns about political patronage and its implications for governance and transparency.
FAAN, which is tasked with the management, maintenance, and development of all commercial airports in Nigeria, plays a crucial role in the nation’s aviation sector and broader economic growth. As board chairman, Ganduje will be responsible for steering policy direction, overseeing institutional reforms, and ensuring the efficient and safe operation of airports across the country.
This new role places Ganduje at the heart of Nigeria’s aviation development efforts, especially at a time when the government is prioritizing infrastructure expansion, modernization of airport facilities, and boosting investor confidence in the sector.
His appointment has already generated mixed reactions from the public and political stakeholders alike, with some praising his experience and leadership capabilities, while others criticize it as another example of recycling political figures into key positions regardless of public opinion.
Observers will be keenly watching how Ganduje handles this high-profile assignment and whether his leadership will bring about significant positive change within FAAN and the aviation sector as a whole.