The Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reshuffled senior directors at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) amid allegations of corruption and compromised oversight. The changes affect critical positions, notably the Directorate of Airworthiness Standards, which is responsible for ensuring that civil aircraft meet international safety standards.
The reshuffle follows a series of aircraft incidents: a Hawker 800XP crash‑landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on 14 December 2025, and a Cessna 172 crash on approach to Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri two days later. Although neither incident resulted in fatalities, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Board issued reports highlighting major safety concerns.
The Directorate of Airworthiness Standards, a key NCAA department overseeing certification, maintenance, and compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation rules, has been accused of regulatory laxity and procedural compromise. In response, the minister has launched an investigation into these allegations.
As part of the reshuffle, Godwin Balang has been moved from his role as Director of Aerodromes and Airspace Standards to head the Directorate of Airworthiness Standards, while Alhaji Ahmad Abba assumes Balang’s former position. The changes are intended to tighten control over the airworthiness department and address safety and regulatory oversight concerns.
Minister Keyamo’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, confirmed that the reshuffle aims to improve administrative effectiveness and noted that the investigation remains ongoing. The move underscores the importance of safety and regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s aviation sector, and the minister’s actions are seen as a step toward addressing these issues.
The NCAA plays a critical role in regulating Nigeria’s aviation industry, with the Directorate of Airworthiness Standards serving as a key component of that framework. The reshuffle and the ongoing investigation demonstrate the minister’s commitment to enhancing safety and ensuring the sector operates in line with international standards. As the investigation proceeds, its outcomes are likely to have significant implications for the future of aviation regulation in Nigeria.
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