The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is a government agency set up for specific responsibility. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is considered a serving organization, and what the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria does is to manage every commercial airport in the country, as well as making sure that it provides services to both the airlines and the passengers in the airports.
It is responsible for airport facilities and services such as Offices, building and civil infrastructure, Security, Fire and Rescue service.
The Agency is seen as the prism of the aviation industry, due to its significance as the business leg of the tripartite principal agencies that constitute the backbone of Nigeria’s Aviation.
In fact, after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria was established, the organization has thrived to meet this responsibility, which was statutorily charged to it at the inauguration. However, besides this responsibility, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria was at inauguration statutorily charged with some set of functions. These, presumably will help the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria succeed in its mandate.
When on May 20, 2019 President Muhammadu Buhari approved the appointment of Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu as the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), not many were set for unprecedented wind of change that was to permeate the nation’s aviation sector months afterwards.
Many observers and stakeholders in the aviation sector have, however commended Captain Yadudu’s giant strides in repositioning FAAN. He has been adjudged as a consummate and diligent professional and technocrat.
At the inception of his tenure, the challenges that met Captain Rabiu Yadudu were very daunting, but the enthusiasm of the obviously well prepared helmsman, was quite infectious and boldly written. Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu is a skilled aviator with varied experience in the industry. He was the immediate past Director of Airport Operations (DAO), of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
His flair for attention to detail, refinement and discipline came to the fore on assumption of office. He ensured direct supervision that led to the certification of Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, in 2017.
It was obvious that the Minister for Aviation, Hadi Sirika and his team had made a good choice in the choice of this incumbent MD. His sparkling Resume was even more intimidating than the challenges.
At the onset, a tripodal focus of performance was agreed with the Honorable Minister for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who made clear his expectations in the three areas of Staff Development; Infrastructure Upgrade and Expansion as well as Equipment Modernization.
Today, Yadudu clearly showcases the milestones and future deliverables with boldness and a great sense of achievement.
He is a consummate aviator who started his journey in the industry in 1993 with the defunct Nigeria Airways as a Licensed aircraft maintenance Engineer( Avionics). In 1997 he joined Kabo Air Ltd as a Co Pilot on their Boeing 727 aircraft, where he steadily progressed to become a Captain on the B747, and Chief Pilot. In 2014 Capt Yadudu was engaged as Deputy Director, and Captain of the National Air Ambulance at NEMA.
Captain Rabiu Yadudu’s achievements at FAAN must have given birth to his appointment as a member of the World Governing Council of the Airports Council International (ACI).
Mr Yadudu was appointed alongside Emanuel Chavez of Aeroportos de Mozambique and Dewananda Chellen of Airports of Mauritius Co. Ltd. Alongside Mr Yadudu, both men were appointed as representatives of Africa on the Board.
Aside from his mission to rebuild FAAN, Yadudu also makes the interest of his staff uppermost, knowing quite well that only a motivated staff force can help drive home his ‘mission to rebuild’ agenda in FAAN.
Little wonder in three years of taking over FAAN, Yadudu’s exceptional leadership qualities began to reflect on the operations of FAAN.
At FAAN, some of the senior staff have hailed the recurring training enjoyed by its staff members. Thisundeescored Capt. Yadudu’s love and interest in Human Capital Development, which was not all encompassing in the past.
For infrastructural development, Yadudu has commenced the total overhauling of all major airports in the country. A total refurbishment of Escalators, lifts and conveyor belts of MMA is ongoing.
Based on the foregoing, it is evident that Captain Rabiu Yadudu is indeed committed to ensuring the development of FAAN, into a global brand that profitably manages customer-centric airport facilities for safe and efficient carriage of passengers and goods at world-class standards of quality.
Olamide Adeniji is a member of the editorial team of TheScript Newspaper
