Ganduje
Chairman of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has called for an urgent review of stalled airport projects across the country, particularly at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
Speaking after a Sunday tour of the Lagos hub, Ganduje said the authority must devise a “deliberate plan to include funds for the projects in the next fiscal year” to address safety, security and infrastructure gaps left by abandoned works.
He highlighted the progress made under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that Lagos, Abuja and Kano airports have all seen “massive improvement” and that a second runway at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport is set to commence, with contractors already mobilising equipment on site .
“There is no doubt that this (Lagos airport) is the biggest and the busiest international airport in West Africa,” Ganduje said, stressing :“We have to thank Mr. President… within two years, he has been able to improve our airports, especially international airports, Lagos, Abuja and Kano.”
Ganduje warned that abandoned projects—some initiated by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and others by FAAN—have resulted from “paucity of funds” and must be examined promptly to secure budgets.
He stressed that Nigeria’s airports must meet global standards, pointing to new scanners, e‑gates and upgraded passenger facilities at Lagos as examples of what can be achieved.
The FAAN chairman also called for better coordination among security agencies operating at entry points, including Customs, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the military, the Department of State Security (DSS), Civil Defence and the police.
“We expect them to develop high standards so that our country will be proud of them,” he said, adding that zero tolerance for corruption is essential to preserve the nation’s international image.
While acknowledging the Tinubu administration’s commitment to completing the Abuja second runway, Ganduje said the federal government will pursue “even development of infrastructure at airports in the various regions of Nigeria” and seek greater African air connectivity to lower ticket costs and boost trade.
