President Bola Tinubu has implemented immediate leadership changes in six parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The move is part of the President’s commitment to bringing world-class standards to Nigerian Civil Aviation, emphasizing consumer protection and the wellbeing of passengers and stakeholders in the sector.
The changes include the replacement of the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Kabir Yusuf Mohammed, with Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku as the new Managing Director. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Tayib Adetunji Odunowo, has been replaced by Engr. Umar Ahmed Farouk. The Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Engr. Akinola Olateru, has been succeeded by Mr. Alex Badeh Jnr.
Additionally, changes were made at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), with Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu being replaced by Prof. Charles Anosike as the new DG. The Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt. Alkali Mahmud Modibbo, has been replaced by Mr. Joseph Shaka Imalighwe as Acting Rector, pending the appointment of a substantive Rector.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Shuaibu Nuhu, has been suspended to allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct an unfettered investigation into his activities. Capt. Chris Najomo assumes the role of Acting Director-General during the investigation.
President Tinubu also approved the commencement of a diligent process by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to recruit a substantive Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers for the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU).
The President emphasized the need for the new leadership to prioritize the safety, convenience, and comfort of the Nigerian people. He called for the immediate establishment of world-class policy design, implementation, and regulatory frameworks to reposition the aviation sector in alignment with his Renewed Hope Agenda, considering the high cost of underperformance in the sector.
