CHAIRMAN BOARD OF (FAAN) ALHAJI GANDUJE, COMMENDS THE AGENCY’S MANAGEMENT FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN DEVELOPING THE NATION’S AIRPORTS 18-02-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Chairman Board, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Board, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, has commended the agency’s management for their efforts in developing the nation’s airports.
Alhaji Ganduje, who paid a visit to FAAN headquarters and toured Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, expressed his satisfaction with the facilities, equipment, and appliances he saw during the tour.
He noted that the agency has laid a good foundation, but there are still challenges that need to be addressed.
According to him, some of the challenges include abandoned projects awarded many years ago, with prices of cost having gone high and also mentioned that some equipment are now obsolete due to modern technology.
“What we have seen, the challenges of abandoned projects awarded many years ago, not abandoned by the present management, but many years ago, prices of cost has gone high, some equipment originally put in place are now obsolete according to modern technology”.
However, Ganduje expressed confidence that the management has designed a way to resolve these issues.
“I must say that the agency is blessed with a competent managing director and directors. I have seen signs of motivation, seriousness, and achievement motive as far as they are concerned. Of course, there are some challenges, but we have started discussing how to resolve them.”
In the areas of security, the Managing Director, FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed that, the airport has introduced a range of new security measures to ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff.
These include the deployment of explosive detection devices, which will help to prevent any potential threats, adding that, the airport is also undergoing significant renovations to improve the overall passenger experience.
“We have now introduced a number of explosive detection devices, which would, of course, help make sure that our environment is safe and secure as we’re moving people out”.
According to her, the airport is also working closely with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to implement an enhanced safety policy.
Other ongoing works, Mrs Kuku said, includes the rehabilitation of terminals, the renovation of VIP facilities, and the revamping of toilet facilities and improving accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
When asked about the strategic plans for the airport in 2025, Mrs. Kuku highlighted several key initiatives, these include the recertification of Kano and Port Harcourt airports, the rehabilitation of runways, and the renovation of terminals.
She noted that, the airport is also focusing on cost recovery and passenger experience, with the aim of providing a more comfortable and convenient experience for all passengers.
While acknowledging that there is still work to be done, Mrs. Kuku expressed optimism about the progress made so far.
“We’re starting to see a lot of those changes,” she said. “The feedback from our passengers is starting to look promising, but we do agree that we’re not where we need to be yet.”