In a stunning turn of events, less than 24 hours after the removal of all heads of aviation agencies, the federal government has announced the dismissal of all directors within those agencies.
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development confirmed the widespread shake-up in a statement signed by Odutayo Oluseyi, the Head of Press and Public Affairs. Directors were instructed to promptly hand over their responsibilities to the most senior officials in their respective departments or directorates.
Daily Trust reported that a number of these directors had been appointed shortly before May 29, aligning with the transition from the immediate past administration to the new administration under President Bola Tinubu.
The statement clarified that this swift and comprehensive restructuring, including the removal of CEOs and directors, aims to reposition the aviation industry. The objective is to ensure safety and efficiency in air travel, aligning with the "Renewed Hope" agenda of President Tinubu.
The affected agencies include the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Metrological Agency (NiMET), Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and Nigeria Safety and Investigation Bureau (NSIB). Notably, the directive does not extend to the agencies' Board Secretaries and Legal Advisers, assuring continuity in certain key roles.
This abrupt and thorough shake-up has sent ripples through the aviation sector, prompting questions about the motivations behind such rapid and widespread changes. As the industry grapples with the repercussions, stakeholders, experts, and the public await further insights into the government's strategy and vision for the future of aviation in Nigeria.
