(DDM) – Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN Governing Board, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has called for urgent and sustained innovation across the aviation sector to strengthen its efficiency, resilience and global competitiveness.
DDM gathered that Ganduje made the remarks in Abuja during the four-day FAAN Board and Stakeholders Retreat, where he stressed that Nigeria’s airports and aviation institutions must continuously evolve to meet modern international standards.
Ganduje, a former governor of Kano State and immediate past national chairman of the All Progressives Congress APC, told participants that the industry can no longer operate with outdated systems, warning that the future of aviation will be defined by technology, collaboration and long-term strategic planning.
He said the sector must anticipate emerging trends, embrace digital transformation, and adopt innovative operational models capable of sustaining financial viability and service excellence.
Ganduje urged stakeholders to renew their collective commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and preparing the industry for global competition.
He emphasised the need to build a modern and innovative FAAN that is not only financially sustainable but able to compete with airport authorities in advanced economies.
In her opening remarks, FAAN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Olubunmi Kuku, outlined three strategic pillars she described as critical to the agency’s future: Leadership, Modernisation and Strategic Renewal.
Kuku reaffirmed her administration’s open-door policy, noting that transparency and collaboration are essential components for solving long-standing operational and infrastructure challenges within the airport system.
She highlighted the importance of modernising airport facilities nationwide, stressing that travellers must experience safe, secure and welcoming environments at all federal airports.
Kuku added that airports serve as Nigeria’s international gateway and must therefore reflect efficiency, aesthetics and strong regulatory compliance to inspire investor and passenger confidence.
The FAAN boss expressed appreciation to Ganduje and members of the governing board for their support, describing their participation in the retreat as evidence of shared commitment to elevating the authority’s performance.
A representative of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kafarmata, declared the event open and described the retreat as timely.
He expressed optimism that the deliberations would yield transformative decisions for FAAN, the aviation sector, and the country at large.
Observers say the retreat comes at a critical period when Nigeria’s aviation industry faces increasing pressure to modernise infrastructure, enhance safety compliance, improve service delivery, and restore confidence after years of operational and financial strain.
The meeting is expected to produce policy recommendations and coordinated strategies that support the government’s broader goals of boosting economic growth, expanding air transport capacity, and improving Nigeria’s global aviation ranking.