In a significant shake-up within the Aviation Ministry, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reportedly terminated the appointments of 33 directors under his jurisdiction. This move has been described by aviation experts as a “clean sweep” and a reversal of last-minute appointments made by the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari.
The 33 directors were appointed by the former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, just a week before the expiration of the Buhari administration on May 23, 2023. The sudden decision to relieve them of their positions came as a surprise, catching many of the affected individuals unawares.
This shake-up follows the recent suspension, removal, and replacement of chief executive officers (CEOs) of key aviation agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and the College of Aviation Technology (NCAT).
President Tinubu approved these changes through a statement by the Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale. The replacements for key positions include Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku taking over from Kabir Yusuf Mohammed as the head of FAAN, and Engr. Umar Ahmed Farouk stepping in for Tayib Adetunji Odunowo as the new head of NAMA.
Sources suggest that the affected CEOs were not given prior knowledge of their impending sack. Many of them were reportedly outside the country when the announcement was made, learning about their termination through newspaper pages or social media. Two significant international events were attended by the ministers and the agencies’ heads just a week before the surprise announcement: the 15th International Civil Aviation Negotiation Event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and an ICAO meeting in Canada.
This unexpected move by Minister Festus Keyamo has raised eyebrows within the aviation industry, leaving many questions about the motivations behind the sudden shake-up and the impact it may have on the sector.
