The Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has carried out a reshuffle of senior directors at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) amidst allegations of corrupt practices and compromised oversight. The move affects critical positions, including the Directorate of Airworthiness Standards, which is responsible for ensuring that civil aircraft meet international safety standards.
The reshuffle comes after a series of aircraft incidents, including a Hawker 800XP crash-landing at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on December 14, 2025, and a Cessna 172 aircraft crashing on approach at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri two days later. Although no fatalities were recorded in either incident, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Board has issued reports highlighting major safety concerns.
The Directorate of Airworthiness Standards is a critical department within the NCAA, overseeing certification, maintenance, and compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation rules. However, the directorate has been accused of regulatory laxity and procedural compromise, prompting the minister to launch an investigation into the allegations.
As part of the reshuffle, Godwin Balang has been redeployed from his position as Director of Aerodromes and Airspace Standards to head the Directorate of Airworthiness Standards. Alhaji Ahmad Abba has taken over Balang’s former position. The changes are seen as an attempt to tighten control over the airworthiness department and address concerns over safety and regulatory oversight.
The minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, confirmed that the reshuffle was aimed at improving administrative effectiveness and stated that the investigation into the allegations was still ongoing. The move highlights the importance of ensuring safety and regulatory compliance in the aviation sector, and the minister’s actions are seen as a step towards addressing these concerns.
The NCAA plays a critical role in regulating the aviation industry in Nigeria, and the Directorate of Airworthiness Standards is a key component of this regulatory framework. The reshuffle and ongoing investigation demonstrate the minister’s commitment to addressing safety concerns and ensuring that the aviation sector operates in accordance with international standards. As the investigation continues, the outcomes are likely to have significant implications for the future of aviation regulation in Nigeria.