BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
To accelerate infrastructure upgrades and raise operational standards, Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Board, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, on Tuesday, November 11, led an inspection of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The visit was to critically assess key facilities and highlighted AAN’s renewed drive for efficiency across all its airports.
The Chairman was accompanied by a FAAN delegation, including the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Board Secretary and Director of Legal Services, Mrs. Bridget Gold; Board Members Engineer Nasiru Muazu and Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Suleiman; and the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, who provided updates on communication improvements supporting FAAN’s transformation agenda.
The team undertook a rigorous tour of the airport’s operational corridors, airside, landside, and terminal areas, inspecting facilities such as the Fire Bay, Water Treatment Plant, and both the Domestic and International Terminals.
The inspection also covered vital airside infrastructure necessary for enhancing safety, passenger experience, and overall airport efficiency.
While commending the Authority for its “visible strides” in maintaining operational standards, Dr. Ganduje stressed the urgency of accelerating ongoing works at the airport.
He issued a firm two-week ultimatum to the contractor handling the domestic terminal upgrades, directing the immediate completion of all outstanding tasks, including the VIP Lounge.
According to him, such delays are unacceptable and counterproductive to FAAN’s “renewed culture of excellence, accountability, and efficiency.”
The visit carried a symbolic tone, as Dr. Ganduje, who served two terms as Governor of Kano State, returned to familiar territory with a commitment to significantly enhance the airport’s standing.
Board members and management expressed a unified resolve to transform MAKIA into a modern gateway that reflects the aspirations and economic promise of northern Nigeria.
FAAN reaffirmed its staunch dedication to infrastructure renewal, safety enhancement, and superior service quality across all airports under its management.
These efforts, it added, align with the strategic vision of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the dynamic leadership of the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
