Aviation Ministry Approves Immediate Redeployment of Directors Across Four Agencies
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has officially sanctioned the immediate redeployment of several directors across four pivotal aviation agencies in Nigeria. This directive, approved by Minister Festus Keyamo and signed by Permanent Secretary Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, was detailed in a circular dated February 9, 2026, with reference number PS/FMA/PCA/S.31/T. The affected agencies include the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
Key Changes and Appointments in the Aviation Sector
According to the circular, the redeployment impacts directors overseeing critical functions such as public affairs and consumer protection, corporate services, finance and accounts, human resource administration, and special duties. At NiMet, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Funke Arowojobe, has been reassigned to NSIB in the same capacity. Additionally, NiMet's Director of Human Resource and Administration, Dr. Nasiru Sani, has been moved internally to serve as Director of Corporate Services within the agency.
In a related shift, Airohiuodion Omonzogie, previously heading Corporate Services at NiMet, has been redeployed to NSIB to oversee the same department. Conversely, NSIB's Director of Corporate Services, Baro Minabawarre, has been transferred to NiMet as Director of Human Resource and Administration. The leadership of public affairs units has also been adjusted, with NSIB's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Bimbo Oladeji, moving to NiMet to head the same directorate.
Finance Department Adjustments and NCAA Dismissal
The finance departments of NAMA and NSIB were similarly affected by the redeployment. Muonemeh Lotenna, who served as Director of Finance and Accounts at NAMA, has been reassigned to NSIB. In turn, Okundaye Folake, formerly Director of Finance and Accounts at NSIB, will now occupy the same position at NAMA. Notably, at the NCAA, Director of Special Duties, Horatius Egua, has been relieved of his appointment with immediate effect. The circular directed him to hand over all official property to the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo.
Simultaneously, the ministry announced the appointment of Augustina Erah as the new Director of Special Duties at the NCAA. The Permanent Secretary emphasized that all redeployments and changes take immediate effect, underscoring the ministry's commitment to streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency across the aviation sector.
Context and Broader Implications for Aviation Governance
This reshuffle comes amid ongoing efforts to improve governance and service delivery in Nigeria's aviation industry. The ministry's swift action reflects a strategic move to optimize leadership roles and address potential inefficiencies. It also aligns with recent regulatory activities, such as the NCAA's warnings to domestic airlines over flight delays and passenger care issues, highlighting a broader push for compliance and consumer protection.
The redeployment is expected to foster better coordination and performance among the agencies, contributing to safer and more reliable air travel in Nigeria. Stakeholders will be monitoring the impacts of these changes closely, as they could influence future policies and operational standards in the aviation and aerospace development landscape.
