President Bola Tinubu initiated a major shakeup in the aviation sector on Wednesday, relieving the heads of several agencies of their duties and appointing new acting and substantive leaders.
The affected agencies and their new heads include:
– 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)
President Tinubu suspended the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, to facilitate an unrestricted investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the activities of the suspended Director-General and other senior officials.
New appointments include:
– 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
Additionally, Tinubu mandated the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to initiate the recruitment process for a substantive Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers of the African Aviation and Aerospace University.
These changes align with the President’s commitment to enhancing standards in Nigerian Civil Aviation, focusing on consumer protection and 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 high cost of underperformance, Tinubu urged the prompt establishment of world-class policy design, implementation, and regulatory frameworks, aligning with his Renewed Hope Agenda for the sector. All directives from the President are effective immediately.
