Yesterday, President Bola Tinubu took decisive action by dismissing several Chief Executive Officers within the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The President, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, announced the replacements for the removed officials in a statement issued in Abuja.
According to the statement, the President’s decision is part of his commitment to elevating Nigerian Civil Aviation to international standards, focusing on consumer protection, and promoting the well-being of passengers and other stakeholders in the sector.
The changes include the removal of Mr. Kabir Mohammed as the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), with Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku appointed as the new substantive Managing Director. Similarly, Mr. Tayib Odunowo, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has been replaced by Engr. Umar Farouk.
Engr. Akinola Olateru, the Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has been removed from office, and Mr. Alex Badeh Jr. is now the substantive Director-General. Prof. Mansur Matazu, the Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), has been replaced by Prof. Charles Anosike.
Capt. Alkali Modibbo, Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), has been removed and temporarily replaced by Mr. Joseph Imalighwe as the acting Rector. The suspension of Capt. Musa Nuhu, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has been initiated to allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct an investigation into the activities of the suspended official and other senior NCAA officials. Capt. Chris Najomo assumes the role of Acting Director-General of NCAA.
Additionally, President Tinubu approved 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 AAAU. The President emphasizes the expectation that the new leadership will prioritize the safety, convenience, and comfort of the Nigerian people in all administrative activities. The directives take immediate effect as the President seeks to implement world-class policies and regulatory frameworks to enhance the aviation sector in alignment with his renewed hope agenda.
