Sudden Management Change at Aviation Agencies

Chinedu Eze

Almost at the time that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was thought to have completed fundamental appointments and reappointments across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), a hurricane of change swept through the aviation industry to the shock of many Nigerians.

The new development led to the sack of some management staff at aviation agencies.  

The sack further entrenched the tradition that whenever there is change in political leadership, there must be a change in the management of MDAs, as political party supporters are compensated. It is a time when the newly elected officers and appointed officials like the ministers, must bring in their own persons to work with them.

Some industry stakeholders that spoke to THISDAY, said competence was swept under the carpet because “no matter your dedication to duty, your efficiency and passion for your job, they must remove you and sometimes replace you with incompetent successor who may not know the job.”

Many in the aviation industry saw the change as the usual routine, but it was at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that workers became emotional. THISDAY gathered that when it was announced that Mr. Kabir Mohammed was removed as the Managing Director of FAAN, a loud cry ripped the atmosphere from FAAN workers both in Lagos and Abuja.

Explaining why his removal drew tears and grief from the workers, a senior FAAN staff told THISDAY, “We are used to all these removals and replacements but once in a long while a competent leader comes in. Kabir Mohammed was such an efficient and dedicated leader that he can only be compared to Mr. Peter Igbinedon who was FAAN Managing Director many years ago.

“Kabir Mohammed treated staff equally. He was more interested in what you can do and he will make you feel free with him. He was so dedicated to duty that he would be the first to come to the office and the last to leave. By 7:30 am he was already in the office. In fact, he encouraged us to show more commitment to our job. You saw how he transformed the Abuja airport as Regional Manager. He came in March 2022 and within one year he had transformed the landscape of the airport, eliminated vehicular congestion with introduction of FAAN taxi solution, eliminated touting, improved revenue generation, improved security at the airport and introduced seamless and centralised information technology. He really inspired all of us.”

In her maiden speech after she was officially handed over as the Managing Director and Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku hinted at the reaction of the workers on the removal of her predecessor and said that she would sustain and improve on what her predecessor left behind.

“My mission at FAAN is simple. I’m here to complement the good work you have all been doing and consolidate on the foundation that previous managements have laid. We will pursue and deliver on all our obligations to the nation and the international community. Together with you all, we can make FAAN a greater institution than it already is.

“We shall be working within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda as enunciated by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubuand in accordance with the policy and program direction of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.”
Describing FAAN as a national asset designed to operate airport infrastructure and equipment and as a tool for economic development, the MD/CE said her vision was to improve on the agency’s professionalism in enhancing user experience, passengers’ seamless facilitation, security, safety and standards. She also affirmed that improving the country’s image would be a core ambition for her office.
“Under my leadership, revenue generation will be optimised and waste will be eliminated as much as possible. Staff welfare will also be a priority but I also expect the staff to be committed to put their best. As every institution is only as powerful as the human resources managing it, we will prioritise the improvement of institutional and human capacity. Working in collaboration with national and international bodies, we will promote the image of Nigeria and strengthen the network of FAAN,” she added.
On the challenges of passenger facilitation and general airport operation during the Yuletide season, she said, “There is an urgency of yesterday in revving up our operations as we have fully entered the busiest season of the year for airline operations. To this end, we shall be interfacing with the various professional interests, sister agencies and partners to ensure we have smooth, safe and secure operations throughout the season. Let us do our jobs with patriotism and a smile on our faces, spreading the joy of the Yuletide.”

At the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the agency announced the assumption of leadership by the new Managing Director, Ahmed Umar Farouk, who has three-decade career marked by significant contributions to Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure.

“Farouk’s tenure, which commenced with his entry into NAMA in 2002 from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, has been characterised by engineering prowess and strategic deployment of critical systems such as installation of instrument landing system and Doppler very high-frequency omnidirectional radio range. His planned retirement on January 18 marked the conclusion of an era dedicated to advancing the nation’s aviation capabilities,” the agency said in a statement.

At the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the new Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr, disclosed that his vision was to build an agency that is defined by the transformative advancements it inspires in transport safety, and not by the tragedies it investigates.

The Director-General, who took over the reins of leadership fromAkin Olateru, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stated this during the handover ceremony, which took place at the Bureau’s Head Office in Abuja.

Also, Prof. Charles Anosike officially assumed office as the Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). The transition ceremony, which held at NiMet headquarters in Abuja, witnessed the symbolic passing on of the baton of leadership from the outgoing CEO, Prof. Mansur Matazu.

With the change of the baton, the new chiefs are now expected to work and deliver the services expected of them.