The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari, FCNA, FICA, has intensified efforts to advance aviation reforms and strengthen institutional capacity through continued familiarisation visits to agencies, of the Ministry, the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
The visits form part of ongoing initiatives to reinforce collaboration, enhance safety oversight, and promote sustainable capacity development across Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
At AAAU, Kambari commended the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi, and the University’s management for their commitment to academic excellence and institutional growth. He urged the staff to sustain the momentum while assuring them of the Ministry’s support in addressing operational and financial challenges. He also directed the University’s management to engage with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation on critical financial matters.
Kambari reiterated plans to reintroduce quarterly top management meetings involving all aviation agencies under the Ministry to strengthen coordination, improve performance, and ensure alignment with the Honourable Minister’s five-point agenda for the sector.
In his remarks, the Acting Vice-Chancellor highlighted the University’s achievements, including accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC), alignment with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), as well as the establishment of professional training programmes and research initiatives. He also acknowledged support from TETFund and the institution’s growing network of international partnerships.
Despite these strides, he identified key challenges such as funding constraints, delays in developing the permanent site, salary concerns, land disputes, and limited public awareness. He appealed for the Ministry’s intervention and support in expanding specialised faculties, including Aeronautics and Aerospace Studies, and Air and Space Law.
Students of the University also expressed appreciation for the quality of education, infrastructure, and dedication of academic staff, noting that AAAU is well-positioned to become a centre of excellence in aviation training in Africa.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Acting Registrar, Dr. Denis Joseph Onwukwe, described the visit as a significant morale booster. He noted that AAAU, conceived in 2016 and operational since 2022, is Nigeria’s first Pan-African university dedicated to aviation and aerospace studies, with a steadily growing student population and expanding academic programmes.
At the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Kambari commended the Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., and the management for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing transportation safety through thorough and timely investigations.
He emphasized the critical role of the Bureau in strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s transport systems and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting its mandate.
“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 stated.
Kambari noted that the visits underscore the Federal Government’s resolve to build a resilient, globally competitive aviation sector through strengthened institutions, enhanced safety frameworks, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
In his presentation, the Director-General of NSIB highlighted the Bureau’s expanded mandate, which includes monitoring the implementation of safety recommendations across aviation, maritime, and rail sectors. He noted significant achievements such as the establishment of investigation laboratories, expansion of regional offices in Yola and Warri, and the reopening of its Lagos office.
He further underscored the adoption of technology-driven solutions, including the 1-Gov application, and the implementation of performance management systems in line with directives from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The Bureau has also strengthened partnerships with both local and international stakeholders.
However, he pointed out challenges such as limited cooperation from some stakeholders, inadequate budgetary provisions, and logistical constraints affecting rapid response to accident sites.
Badeh expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary and the Ministry for their continued support, reaffirming the Bureau’s commitment to excellence in accident investigation and safety promotion.
In her closing remarks,, the Acting Librarian of AAAU, Mrs. Dorcas, expressed gratitude to the Permanent Secretary and his team for the visit and conveyed optimism that the commitments made would further accelerate the institution’s development.
*Chindaya Ahmadu Audu Adamu*
Director, Press and Public Affairs
