Prominent Kano APC figure praises Ganduje's overhaul of Kuku airports

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A Kano State All Progressives Congress stalwart, Umar Idris Shuaibu, has said the ongoing reforms under the leadership of the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, are repositioning Nigeria’s airports to compete globally through infrastructure renewal, stronger institutional governance, digital innovation and improved passenger services.

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Shuaibu stated this in an exclusive interview with Arewa PUNCH on Thursday, where he declared that Nigeria’s aviation sector was witnessing one of its most significant periods of institutional and infrastructural transformation after years of ageing facilities, operational inefficiencies, security concerns and rising passenger expectations.

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According to him, the collaboration between Ganduje and Kuku has created a clear distinction between governance and management, enabling FAAN to pursue long-term reforms that are redefining airport operations across the country.

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“What we are witnessing today is not merely the rehabilitation of airport infrastructure; it is a comprehensive institutional reform agenda aimed at transforming Nigeria’s airports into modern gateways for commerce, tourism, investment and national development,” he said.

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Shuaibu added, “Every successful public institution requires a clear distinction between governance and management. Dr. Ganduje is providing strategic leadership, policy direction and institutional oversight, while Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku is driving the day-to-day execution of reforms focused on operational efficiency, safety, customer satisfaction and financial sustainability. That synergy has become one of FAAN’s defining strengths.”

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The APC stalwart insisted that the reforms had resulted in major infrastructure upgrades at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, including the rehabilitation of Runway 18R/36L, Taxiway B and terminal facilities.

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He added that airports in Kano, Katsina, Jos, Enugu, Ilorin, Minna and several other locations have also benefited from improvements in power supply, terminal expansion, airfield lighting and operational facilities.

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“These are not cosmetic interventions or temporary repairs. FAAN is deliberately investing in long-term infrastructure renewal capable of supporting future aviation growth and positioning Nigeria among competitive aviation destinations,” he said.

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Speaking on environmental sustainability, Shuaibu described the introduction of digital colour-coded recycling bins at the Lagos airport as one of the authority’s most innovative reforms.

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“The aviation industry cannot ignore climate change. FAAN’s technology-driven waste management programme, together with the deployment of electric buses and vehicles at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, demonstrates a clear commitment to reducing carbon emissions and aligning Nigeria’s airports with global environmental standards,” he stressed.

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He noted that the federal government’s directive requiring future airport infrastructure to incorporate renewable energy technologies, including solar-powered systems, further underscored its commitment to greener aviation.

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On human capital development, Shuaibu pointed out that the authority has continued to invest in specialised training programmes covering airport management, aviation security, engineering, firefighting, emergency response and safety management.

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“Infrastructure alone cannot transform an institution. Modern airports require highly skilled professionals. FAAN’s partnerships with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, ICAO-certified institutions and the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programmes are helping to align Nigeria’s aviation workforce with international best practices,” he maintained.

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The APC stalwart also praised the authority’s efforts to strengthen aviation safety through the deployment of advanced surveillance systems, modern screening technology and improved communication infrastructure.

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“The recertification of major international airports, including Malam Aminu Kano International Airport and Port Harcourt International Airport, demonstrates sustained compliance with international aviation safety standards and reinforces confidence among airlines, regulators and passengers,” he added.

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Shuaibu further commended FAAN’s digital transformation, saying improvements in revenue management, enterprise resource planning, financial monitoring and institutional transparency has enhanced accountability and operational efficiency.

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According to him, passengers are equally benefiting from upgraded lounges, improved facilities for persons with disabilities, enhanced customer service mechanisms and modern terminal amenities.

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“The recently upgraded Pilgrims’ Terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, with its 300-seat waiting hall, VIP and VVIP lounges, free high-speed Wi-Fi, fully air-conditioned mosque and modern security screening equipment, clearly demonstrates FAAN’s commitment to putting passengers first,” he said.

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The Ganduje ally also lauded the commissioning of the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service and World Food Programme terminal at the General Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Maiduguri, describing it as a strategic investment that would strengthen humanitarian logistics and emergency response operations across the North-East.

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“This reform agenda goes beyond commercial aviation. It extends to humanitarian services, emergency response, healthcare support and the provision of critical infrastructure capable of serving vulnerable communities during emergencies,” Shuaibu said.

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While acknowledging that more work remained, Shuaibu noted that the reforms have laid a solid foundation for a safer, greener and more efficient aviation industry.

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“If these reforms are sustained, Nigeria’s airports will not only become safer and more efficient, they will emerge as strategic drivers of economic growth, regional connectivity, tourism, investment and national development,” he insisted.

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Continuing, the Kano politician clarified, “For me, leadership should not be measured only by policy pronouncements but by tangible improvements that passengers, investors and aviation stakeholders can see and experience. The ongoing reforms under Ganduje and Kuku have already demonstrated that Nigeria’s airports can compete favourably with the best on the African continent if the current momentum is sustained.”

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