KAMBARI STRENGTHENS AVIATION AGENCIES, REAFFIRMS FG’S COMMITMENT TO SAFETY, TRAINING
Oru Leonard
Abuja, April 15, 2026 — The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to building a safer, more coordinated and globally competitive aviation sector, as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari, intensified strategic engagements with key agencies under the Ministry.
Kambari’s familiarisation visits to the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) are part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing safety oversight, and deepening collaboration across the aviation ecosystem.
At AAAU, the Permanent Secretary commended the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, and the university’s management for sustaining academic excellence and institutional growth. He urged staff to maintain the momentum, while assuring them of the Ministry’s support in addressing operational and financial challenges. He also directed the management to liaise with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation on pressing financial matters.
Kambari further disclosed plans to revive quarterly top management meetings involving all aviation agencies to improve coordination, boost performance, and ensure alignment with the Minister’s five-point agenda for the sector.
In his remarks, Abdullahi highlighted key milestones recorded by the institution, including accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and alignment with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). He also noted the university’s growing portfolio of professional training programmes, research initiatives, and international partnerships.
Despite these achievements, the Acting Vice-Chancellor identified challenges such as funding gaps, delays in developing the permanent site, salary concerns, land disputes, and limited public awareness. He appealed for the Ministry’s support in expanding specialised faculties, including Aeronautics and Aerospace Studies, as well as Air and Space Law.
Students of AAAU also lauded the quality of education and infrastructure, expressing confidence in the university’s potential to become a leading aviation training hub in Africa.
Earlier, the Acting Registrar, Dr. Denis Joseph Onwukwe, described the visit as a morale booster, noting that AAAU—conceived in 2016 and operational since 2022—remains Nigeria’s first Pan-African university dedicated to aviation and aerospace studies.
At the NSIB, Kambari praised the Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., for his leadership and the Bureau’s professionalism in advancing transport safety through thorough and timely investigations. He emphasized the critical role of the Bureau in boosting public confidence in Nigeria’s transport systems.
“The Ministry remains open and committed to fostering stronger collaboration with NSIB to ensure that safety standards are upheld and that the Bureau is well-positioned to deliver on its mandate,” he said.
The Director-General, in his presentation, outlined the Bureau’s expanded mandate, including oversight of safety recommendations across aviation, maritime, and rail sectors. He highlighted achievements such as the establishment of investigation laboratories, expansion of regional offices in Yola and Warri, and the reopening of the Lagos office.
Badeh also noted the deployment of technology-driven tools, including the 1-Gov application, and the implementation of performance management systems in line with civil service reforms. However, he identified challenges such as limited stakeholder cooperation, inadequate funding, and logistical constraints affecting rapid response to accident sites.
He expressed appreciation to the Ministry for its continued support, reaffirming the Bureau’s commitment to excellence in accident investigation and safety promotion.
In a statement, the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Chindaya Ahmadu Audu Adamu, said the visits underscore the Federal Government’s determination to reposition the aviation sector through stronger institutions and sustained collaboration.
“These strategic engagements reflect a deliberate effort to build synergy across aviation agencies, strengthen safety frameworks, and ensure that Nigeria’s aviation sector remains competitive and responsive to global standards,” Chindaya stated.
The Acting Librarian of AAAU, Mrs. Dorcas, in her closing remarks, expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary and his delegation, noting that the visit would further accelerate the university’s growth and development.
