Tinubu Overhauls Aviation Leadership: FAAN, NAMA, Four Other Managing Directors Replaced

In a move to enhance standards in the Nigerian Civil Aviation sector, President Bola Tinubu has announced a shakeup, resulting in the removal and replacement of top officials within the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

The decision, aligned with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to elevate consumer protection, promote the well-being of Nigerian passengers, and address the high cost of underperformance in the aviation sector, according to a statement by his Special Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale.

The key leadership changes include the appointment of Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku as the new Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), succeeding Mr. Kabir Yusuf Mohammed. Additionally, Engr. Umar Ahmed Farouk takes over as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), replacing Mr. Tayib Adetunji Odunowo.

Other changes involve the appointment of Mr. Alex Badeh Jr. as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), succeeding Engr. Akinola Olateru. Prof. Charles Anosike assumes the role of Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), succeeding Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu. Mr. Joseph Shaka Imalighwe becomes the Acting Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), taking over from Capt. Alkali Mahmud Modibbo. Meanwhile, Capt. Chris Najomo assumes the position of Acting Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), following the suspension of Capt. Musa Shuaibu Nuhu.

President Tinubu has also directed the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to initiate a diligent process for recruiting a substantive Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers for the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU).

These changes, effective immediately, signal Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring the safety, convenience, and comfort of the Nigerian people within the aviation sector. The President emphasizes the urgent need for the establishment of world-class policy design, implementation, and regulatory frameworks to align with his Renewed Hope Agenda.