President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for a comprehensive restructuring of the Aviation and Aerospace Development Ministry, leading to the suspension, removal, and replacement of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in key agencies within the sector.
Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that the decision reflects Tinubu’s commitment to instilling world-class standards in Nigerian Civil Aviation, focusing on consumer protection and the well-being of passengers and sector stakeholders.
According to Ngelale, the changes include the removal of Kabir Yusuf Mohammed as the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), with Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku appointed as the new substantive Managing Director.
Similarly, Tayib Adetunji Odunowo, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has been replaced by Engr.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, has been removed and substituted with Alex Badeh Jr., while Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu, the Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), has been replaced by Prof. Charles Anosike.
Capt. Alkali Mahmud Modibbo, the Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), has been replaced by Joseph Shaka Imalighwe as the Acting Rector, pending the appointment of a substantive Rector.
In a significant move, Capt. Musa Shuaibu Nuhu, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has been suspended from office to facilitate an unimpeded investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the activities of the suspended Director-General and other senior officials in the authority. Capt. Chris Najomo assumes office as the Acting Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority immediately.
President Tinubu has also sanctioned the commencement of a meticulous 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 in all administrative activities. He underscores the urgency of establishing world-class policy design, implementation, and regulatory frameworks to reposition the sector, aligning it with his Renewed Hope Agenda.
All directives from the President are effective immediately.
