Experts urge Tinubu to constitute aviation agencies’ boards

Experts under the umbrella of the Nigeria Aviation Professionals have called on President Bola Tinubu for the immediate constitution of boards for other critical aviation agencies to curb what they call illegalities.

This is coming barely two months after the government constituted the board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

Speaking recently in an interview with journalists, the General Secretary of ANAP, AbdulRasaq Saidu, emphasised the urgent need for boards at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, and the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau.

It will be recalled that the Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, also recently said the presence of a board of directors in the agency plays a critical role in its corporate governance in providing strategic direction, overseeing management, and making key decisions, while being guided by the Civil Aviation Act.

In his interview, Saidu highlighted the crucial role of these boards in ensuring effective management and oversight of agency operations.

He stated that their importance in key areas such as contract awards, recruitment processes, and the handling of staff welfare and conditions of service can not be over-emphasised.

He said, “The constitution of these boards is long overdue. Their presence will provide essential checks and balances, curbing potential irregularities within the system.”

ANAP criticised the previous administration, led by former minister, Hadi Sirika, for failing to inaugurate boards established by former President Muhammadu Buhari during his eight-year tenure.

This inaction, according to Comrade Saidu, led to a surge in “illegalities,” including questionable employment practices, appointments, and a decline in aviation workers’ conditions of service.

Comrade Saidu acknowledged, “President Tinubu’s prompt appointment of Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as Chairman of the FAAN board demonstrates his understanding of the vital role these boards play.

“We urge him to extend this commitment to the remaining agencies,” he said.

The union expressed confidence that the timely establishment of these boards will significantly streamline day-to-day operations and enhance the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s aviation sector.