President Bola Tinubu took decisive action on Wednesday, initiating a significant shakeup in the aviation sector. The heads of several agencies have been relieved of their duties, and new acting and substantive leaders have been appointed to ensure a seamless transition.
The following agencies and their new heads have been affected by the shakeup:
- Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN): Mr. Kabir Mohammed
- Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA): Mr. Tayib Odunowo
- Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB): Akinola Olateru
- Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET): Prof. Mansur Matazu
- Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT): Alkali Modibbo (Rector)
Furthermore, President Tinubu suspended the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, to allow for an unrestricted investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the activities of the suspended Director-General and other senior officials.
The new appointments are as follows:
- FAAN: Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku as the substantive Managing Director
- NAMA: Umar Farouk as the substantive Managing Director
- NSIB: Mr Alex Badeh Jr. as the substantive Director-General
- NiMET: Prof. Charles Anosike as the substantive Director-General
- NCAT: Mr Joseph Imalighwe as the Acting Rector
- NCAA: Mr. Chris Najomo as the Acting Director-General
In addition, Tinubu has tasked the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, with initiating the recruitment process for a substantive Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers of the African Aviation and Aerospace University.
These changes are in line with Tinubu’s commitment to raising standards in Nigerian Civil Aviation, prioritizing consumer protection, and ensuring the well-being of passengers and stakeholders. Immediate implementation of these directives is expected, with a strong emphasis on safety, convenience, and comfort for Nigerians.
To address the issue of underperformance, the Nigerian leader has stressed the need for the prompt establishment of world-class policy design, implementation, and regulatory frameworks that align with his Renewed Hope Agenda for the sector. All directives from the President are effective immediately.
