When the word aviation appears in a context, it implies one thing: flying. In this article, we will focus our attention on the aviation world and thereby narrow it down to aviation in Nigeria. The word aviation means the art of flying aircraft, operating, or controlling aircraft in the air.
Aviation in Nigeria could be traced back to her days of colonialism, when the British aircraft landed in Polo Field in Maiduguri, and by 1930, there were already both civilian and military aircraft globetrotting the region.
However, aviation gained speed with the attainment of her independence in 1960. Nigeria, as an independent state, needs to put in structures and facilities that will help facilitate the growth of aviation in the country. Therefore, several decrees and parliamentary acts were moved to help Nigeria build her aviation industry.
The Aviation Sector In Nigeria
The aviation sector is saddled with the day-to-day activities of the aviation industry. They are responsible for rules and regulations, building, and maintenance of infrastructural structures such as airports. They carry out policing activities in the industry.
In order for the aviation sector to function effectively, there are delegated powers and responsibilities to sub-bodies or parastatals. These parastatals in the aviation industry help in the day-to-day running of the aviation industry in the country.
For instance, we have the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This body is tasked with carrying out the safety and economy regulation in the aviation industry in accordance with the provisions of Part IX Section 30(7a) of the Civil Aviation Act 2006.
The Directorate is responsible for the economic regulation of the aviation industry. The directorate is divided into three departments, and each department is headed by a general manager who reports directly to the director. The three departments and the units are:
- Air transport operation
- Economic regulation
- commercial and statistics.
The Mandate, Vision, and Mission of the Federal Ministry of Aviation in Nigeria
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace plays an important role in regulating and overseeing air travel and aviation services in Nigeria. It is responsible for formulating and managing government policies and programs related to the aviation sector, ensuring the development, maintenance, and security of the country’s air transportation infrastructure. Below, we will examine its mandate, vision, and mission, based on the information available on its official website.
Mandate
The ministry is tasked with developing and implementing policies that support the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry. Its key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing air transportation operations
- Managing and developing airports across the country
- Providing and maintaining aviation infrastructure
- Ensuring aviation security and compliance with international standards
- Enhancing airspace management for efficient and safe air navigation
The ministry ensures the country’s aviation industry aligns with the global aviation safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to promote a safe and secure air travel environment in Nigeria.
Mission
The ministry is committed to building a safe, secure, and efficient aviation industry that positions Nigeria as a leading hub for air transportation in Africa. It strives to maintain international best practices as it fosters connectivity within the region.
Vision
The ministry aspires to be the best aviation industry in Africa and one of the best in the world. It aims to enhance Nigeria’s global reputation in the aviation sector.
In the next section, we will examine the agencies under the Federal Ministry of Aviation in Nigeria.
Agencies Under the Federal Ministry of Aviation in Nigeria
The agencies under the Federal Ministry of Aviation in Nigeria include the following:
- Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
- Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT)
- Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
- Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet)
- Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA)
- Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)
- African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU)
For more explanation on each of the agencies, check out our piece on Agencies Under Federal Ministry Of Aviation In Nigeria | All You Need to Know. In the next section, we will examine the list of past and present ministers of aviation in Nigeria.
List of Minister of Aviation in Nigeria
Since its establishment, the Federal Ministry of Aviation in Nigeria has been overseen by several ministers who have played key roles in shaping the country’s aviation sector. These ministers have contributed to the overall growth of the industry. Below is a chronological list of past and present Ministers of Aviation in Nigeria:
| No. | Name | Period |
| 1 | Dr. K.O Mbadiwe | 1960 – 1961 |
| 2 | Hon. Raymond Njoku | 1962 – 1965 |
| 3 | Chief J. A Nwachukwu | 1965 – 1966 |
| 4 | Chief J. S Tarka | 1967 – 1971 |
| 5 | Dr. R.A.B Dikko | 1971 – 1975 |
| 6 | Maj. Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (NA) | 1975 – 1976 |
| 7 | Navy Capt. Olumide (NAF) | 1976 – 1976 |
| 8 | Alhaji S. Kazaure | 1976 – 1978 |
| 9 | Alhaji Shehu Wunti | 1978 – 1979 |
| 10 | Hon. Sam Mafuyayi | 1979 – 1982 |
| 11 | Hon. J.J Kadiya | 1982 – 1983 |
| 12 | Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi | 1984 – 1984 |
| 13 | Rear Admiral Patrick Koshoni (NN) | 1984 – 1985 |
| 14 | Maj. Gen. Jeremiah Oseni (NA) | 1985 – 1987 |
| 15 | AVM Anthony Okpere (NAF) | 1987 – 1989 |
| 16 | Alhaji Bunu Sheriff Musa | 1989 – 1990 |
| 17 | Alabo Tonye Graham Douglas | 1990 – 1992 |
| 18 | Engr. Olawale Ige | 1992 – 1992 |
| 19 | Chief Oluwole Adeosun | 1993 – 1993 |
| 20 | Alhaji Bashiru Dalhatu | 1993 – 1993 |
| 21 | Alhaji Aremu Yahaya | 1993 – 1994 |
| 22 | Chief Ebenezer Babatope | 1994 – 1995 |
| 23 | Air Cmdr. Nsikak Eduok (NAF) | 1995 – 1996 |
| 24 | Air Cmdr. Ita Udo-Imeh (NAF) | 1996 – 1998 |
| 25 | Capt. Benomi Briggs | 1998 – 1999 |
| 26 | Dr. Olusegun Agugu | 1999 – 2000 |
| 27 | Dr. (Mrs) Kema Nonyerem Chikwe | 2000 – 2003 |
| 28 | Malam Isa Yuguda | 2003 – 2005 |
| 29 | Prof. Babalola Borishade | 2005 – 2006 |
| 30 | Chief Olufemi Fani-Kayode | 2006 – 2006 |
| 31 | Felix Hassan Hyat | 2007 – 2008 |
| 32 | Babatunde Omotoba | 2008 – 2010 |
| 33 | Mrs. Fidelia Akuabata Njeze | 2010 – 2011 |
| 34 | Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah-Ogiemwonyi (OON) | 2011 – 2014 |
| 35 | Dr. Samuel Ioraer Ortom | 2014 – 2014 |
| 36 | Osita Benjamin Chidoka | 2014 – 2015 |
| 37 | Senator Hadi Sirika | 2019 – 2023 |
| 38 | Festus Keyamo SAN | 2023 – Present |
Each of these ministers has contributed to the growth and development of Nigeria’s aviation sector, implementing policies and projects that have enhanced air safety, infrastructure, and airspace management. For those asking, who is the current minister of aviation in Nigeria? The current minister is Festus Keyamo SAN, who was appointed in 2023.
In the next section, we will check out the address of the Federal Ministry of Aviation in Nigeria and ways to contact them.
Federal Ministry of Aviation Address
What is the address of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace in Nigeria? The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace is located in Abuja, at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase 1, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja FCT.
For inquiries, you can contact the ministry through the following channels:
Address
Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace
Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase 1
Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
Email: info@aviation.gov.ng
Phone: +234 803 6277 690
Website: aviation.gov.ng
The ministry remains committed to ensuring efficient and secure air travel in Nigeria while maintaining international aviation standards.
Conclusion
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace plays a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s aviation industry, ensuring that it aligns with international safety, security, and operational standards. From its early days during colonial rule to its present-day structure, the ministry has overseen the development of air transportation, airport infrastructure, and regulatory policies that have strengthened the aviation sector.
With a clear mandate, mission, and vision, the ministry continues to invest efforts in positioning Nigeria as a key player in African aviation. The agencies under its supervision work together to maintain air safety, improve infrastructure, and regulate airline operations, fostering efficiency and growth within the industry.
Stay connected to this blog for more informative reads.
References
- Aviation.gov.ng – About Us
- Aviation.gov.ng – Past and Present Ministers
