President Bola Tinubu has approved significant changes within the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to enhance standards in Nigerian Civil Aviation.
The move involves the suspension, removal, and replacement of several Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in key aviation agencies, the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale said in a statement on Wednesday.
The changes include the removal and replacement of the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Kabir Yusuf Mohammed, with Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku. Similarly, Tayib Adetunji Odunowo, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has been replaced by Engr. Umar Ahmed Farouk. The Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Engr. Akinola Olateru, is replaced by Alex Badeh Jr., and the Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu, is replaced by Prof. Charles Anosike.
In addition, the Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt. Alkali Mahmud Modibbo, has been replaced by Joseph Shaka Imalighwe, pending the appointment of a substantive Rector. The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Shuaibu Nuhu, has been suspended for an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with Capt. Chris Najomo assuming the role of Acting Director-General.
Tinubu has also sanctioned the commencement of a thorough process led 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 emphasizes the need for the new leadership to prioritize the safety, convenience, and comfort of the Nigerian people.
He calls for the immediate establishment of world-class policy design, implementation, and regulatory frameworks to revitalize the sector, aligning with his Renewed Hope Agenda. All directives are to take immediate effect due to the high cost of underperformance in the sector.
