In a swift move, the Federal Government of Nigeria has removed all directors of aviation less than 24 hours after the abrupt removal of agency heads.
This decision, aimed at reshaping the aviation sector to enhance safety and efficiency, was communicated through a statement by Odutayo Oluseyi, the spokesperson for the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The statement specified an immediate handover directive to the affected directors, who are instructed to transfer their duties to the most senior officers in their respective directorates promptly.
The agencies impacted by this development include the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria Metrological Agency, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, and Nigeria Safety and Investigation Bureau.
Despite the sweeping changes, the statement clarified that the agencies’ board secretaries and legal advisers are unaffected by this directive. The government emphasized adherence to the provided instructions by the relieved directors.
Reports suggest that President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, instigated the removal of various agency heads in the aviation sector. The replacements include acting and substantive heads for key agencies, such as Kabir Mohammed, Tayib Odunowo, Akinola Olateru, Prof. Mansur Matazu, and Alkali Modibbo.
Notably, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Musa Nuhu, has been suspended amidst these changes. The government’s decision to overhaul leadership aims to align with the Renewed Hope agenda, fostering a safer and more efficient air travel experience for Nigerians.