The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Nigeria is responsible for overseeing the country’s aviation sector. It formulates policies, regulates air travel, manages airports, and ensures safety standards are met.
The ministry aims to improve infrastructure, promote growth, and contribute to the nation’s economy through aviation.
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List Of Ministers Of Aviation And Aerospace Development In Nigeria
No | Name | Term Start | Term End |
|---|---|---|---|
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 | 2023 | Present |
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Departments In The Ministry Of Aviation And Aerospace Development
There are currently 12 departments In the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development:
- Air Transport Management
- Air Safety Administration
- Aerodrome Development
- Planning, Research, and Statistics
- General Services
- Human Resources
- Finance and Accounts
- Procurement
- Internal Audit
- Legal Services Unit
- Special Duties
- Reform Coordination and Service Improvement
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Agencies Under The Ministry Of Aviation And Aerospace Development
Here are the agencies under the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development In Nigeria:
- Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
- Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA)
- Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
- Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT)
- Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET)
- Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)
Who Was The First Minister Of Aviation And Aerospace Development In Nigeria?
The first holder of the position of Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development was Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe. Born in 1915 in Orlu, present-day Imo State, Mbadiwe became an influential figure in Nigerian politics and was instrumental during the country’s First Republic.
He was a key nationalist and politician known for his involvement in the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), which was one of Nigeria’s most political movements during its early independence years.
Mbadiwe started primary school in Port Harcourt and continued his education at several prominent schools in Nigeria, including Igbobi College in Lagos and the Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar.
He later traveled to the United States for higher education, studying at Columbia University and New York University. His time abroad expanded his academic knowledge and also deepened his political activism.
He was involved in forming an African student association that connected him to prominent international figures like Eleanor Roosevelt.
On his return to Nigeria, Mbadiwe established himself in business and politics. He set up enterprises and research institutions, which allowed him to gain a foothold in Nigeria’s political sphere.
He joined the NCNC and won a seat in the Eastern Region House of Assembly in 1951. He later served in several ministerial positions, including the Minister for Lands, Survey, and Natural Resources from 1954 to 1955, followed by a term as the Minister of Communications and Aviation from 1955 to 1957.
This was his first direct involvement in aviation matters, making him the initial head of aviation in Nigeria. However, Mbadiwe’s political career experienced some challenges. In 1958, he attempted to challenge Nnamdi Azikiwe’s leadership within the NCNC, which led to a period of political estrangement.
However, he rejoined the party later and continued his government involvement. During the Nigerian Civil War, Mbadiwe served as a roving ambassador for the Biafran side.
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Who Is The New Minister Of Aviation And Aerospace Development In Nigeria?
Festus Keyamo is currently serving as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. He assumed this position on August 21, 2023, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, following the departure of the previous minister, Hadi Sirika.
Keyamo is a well-known Nigerian lawyer, politician, and human rights activist with a strong track record in public service.
His legal career began in 1993 after he graduated with a law degree from Ambrose Alli University, located in Edo State. He went on to train under the renowned human rights lawyer Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos.
During his time at Fawehinmi’s chambers, he developed a reputation as an outspoken advocate for human rights, gaining attention for handling notable cases, including the treason trial of Niger-Delta militant leader Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, and the trial related to the murder of former Nigerian Attorney General Bola Ige.
Aside from his legal career, Keyamo became involved in Nigerian politics. His first major political appointment came in 2018 when he was named Director of Strategic Communications for the re-election campaign of then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
Shortly after, in 2019, he was appointed Minister of State for Labour and Employment under Buhari’s government, where he served until May 2023.
In 2023, Keyamo was nominated by President Tinubu to take on a new challenge as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
His role now involves overseeing and developing Nigeria’s aviation industry, ensuring growth and innovation in both air transport and the aerospace sector.
Throughout his career, Keyamo has been recognized for his contributions to law and governance. In 2017, he was awarded the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a prestigious title for outstanding Nigerian lawyers.
His efforts in promoting human rights and accountability have also earned him international recognition, including the Global Human Rights Award.