The Nigerian aviation industry is currently in a precarious state following the recent dismissal of chief executive officers (CEOs) and directors last week, which is significantly impacting the sector. There are growing concerns that Nigeria may struggle to address the identified shortcomings highlighted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) during its safety audit conducted in August–September.
ICAO is expected to return for the Corrective Action Plan early next year, but the abrupt sackings have led to disarray, particularly within the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). A director affected by the recent purge, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed dismay over reports linking the dismissed directors to an alleged multibillion-naira scam related to the failed Nigeria Air project. He, like many others, insists on having no involvement in the national carrier project.
A source close to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development revealed to Daily Independent on Monday that the decision to dismiss CEOs and directors across all agencies was ill-advised, suggesting it would adversely affect the industry. As of now, Minister Keyamo has not yet announced replacements for the sacked directors. The source asserted that the minister’s lack of familiarity with the industry and varying advice from different individuals have left him confused.
The source further criticized the unprecedented move to sack all aviation CEOs and directors simultaneously, emphasizing that a transitional period with the existing directors guiding new CEOs would have been a more strategic approach. The sudden upheaval has created a sense of jeopardy within the sector, with concerns raised about the competence and motivations of the potential replacements.
Retired Group Captain John Ojikutu, however, believes that the dismissal of directors across six agencies may not significantly impact the country’s performance in ICAO corrective action plans. He suggests that the key personnel responsible for executing the plans are the general managers and their subordinates. Ojikutu expresses concern about the availability of skilled inspectors to successfully implement the corrective action plans.
Aviation stakeholder Capt. Samuel Caulcrick counters the prevailing sentiment, asserting that the removal of CEOs and directors will not adversely affect the sector. According to him, general managers, if sufficient in number, can successfully execute the required tasks.
Over 30 CEOs and directors were removed last Wednesday and Thursday in an unexpected purge, with many of those affected having been appointed during the final moments of the previous administration. Former Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, had also created new directorates within some agencies. The impact of these changes remains a subject of debate within the industry.
 and dire){kind=link}