Tinubu sacks FAAN, NAMA, NIMET DGs, others

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday approved the suspension, removal, and replacement of the Chief Executive Officers under the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Presidential Spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement last night explained that the action which takes immediate effect is in line with President Tinubu’s determination to bring world-class standards to Nigerian Civil Aviation in consumer protection and the promotion of the wellbeing of Nigerian passengers and other sectoral stakeholders.

He explained that Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Kabir Yusuf Mohammed has been removed and replaced with Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku as the substantive Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

Similarly, Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Tayib Adetunji Odunowo has been removed and replaced with Engr. Umar Ahmed Farouk as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

According to the statement, Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Engr. Akinola Olateru is replaced with Mr. Alex Badeh Jr. as the substantive Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.

While Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu has been removed and in his place Prof. Charles Anosike will serve as the substantive Director-General.

Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt. Alkali Mahmud Modibbo is replaced with Mr. Joseph Shaka Imalighwe as the Acting Rector of the college, pending the appointment of a substantive Rector, in accordance with Section 13(2) of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Act, 2022.

Also, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Shuaibu Nuhu has been suspended from office to enable the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct an unfettered investigation into the activities of the suspended Director-General and other senior officials in the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority. 

In his place, Capt. Chris Najomo will assume office as the Acting Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority immediately.

President Tinubu also approved the commencement of a diligent process to be conducted by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to recruit a substantive Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers of the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU).

The President charged the new leadership to uphold the safety, convenience, and comfort of the Nigerian people as primary and sacrosanct in all of their administrative activities. 

Meanwhile, due to the high cost of underperformance in the sector, the President has demanded the immediate establishment of world-class policy design, implementation, and regulatory frameworks to reposition the sector in alignment with his Renewed Hope Agenda.