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FG removes NCAT, AIB, NIMET chiefs
After months of speculations, the Federal Government today removed heads of parastatals including the Acting Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency(NAMA), Director-General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Rector, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria and Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).
President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the appointment of Captain Fola C. Akinkuotu as Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA ), Professor Sani Abubakar Mashi – Director-General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Captain Abdulsalam Mohammed -Rector, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria and Engr. Akinola Olateru – Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).
In a statement from the office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation; Sabiu Zakari for Minister of State (Aviation), Senator Hadi Sirika the sack is with immediate effect while the appointment of the new heads takes effect.
Ag MD NAMA, Engineer Emma Ayansi was due for retirement since December 2016 but did not go on it mandatory terminal leave, while the AIB Commissioner, Dr. Felix Abali was enmeshed in a running battle with the unions while the DG of NIMET, Dr. Anthony Anuforum has been in office going to 10 years
However, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma and the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Usman Mukhar retain their positions.
In the statement, Zakari described the incoming NAMA boss, Captain Akinkuotu as a seasoned Transport Pilot, Flight and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Airline Chief Executive and a trained Aviation Industry Regulator; He was also a former Director General of the NCAA .
While he said Professor Sani Abubakar Mashi – Director-General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), a Professor of Geography with specialty in Environmental Application of Remote Sensing is currently a Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Abuja
Capt. Mohammed , an alumnus of the NCAT, according to the statement is a renowned Civil Aviation Trainer and Examiner with accreditation by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Civil Aviation Administration(FCAA).
While Olateru, an engineer of international repute and a trained Air Accident Manager and Certified Safety Officer with Aircraft Maintenance Engineering licenses in Nigeria, USA and the United Kingdom.
Until his appointment, Akinkuotu was CEO for Aero Contractors. Was the Director-General of the NCAA from August 2013 to March 2014
Akinkuotu is a pilot, as well as a flight and aircraft engineer. He was responsible for the start up and running of IRS Airlines as pioneer Managing Director/COO.
Thereafter, he was part of the start-up team for Arik Airlines. Akinkuotu was Technical Pilot and Training Manager for Virgin Nigeria, rising to become the Director Flight operations and later Executive Director International Operations in Virgin/Air Nigeria.
Source: Wole Shadare
