IWD: Aviation Leaders Highlight Women’s Growing Influence in Nigeria’s Aviation Industry
Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation industry have celebrated the remarkable contributions of women to the sector, while reiterating the need to strengthen gender inclusion, mentorship and equal opportunities across the aviation value chain.
The recognition came as aviation institutions joined the global community to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), a day set aside to acknowledge the achievements of women and promote gender equality in all spheres of society.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, said women have continued to make significant strides within Nigeria’s aviation industry, playing critical roles in ensuring the sector’s safety, innovation and resilience.
Najomo noted that women are actively contributing across several areas of the aviation ecosystem, including flight operations, aircraft engineering, air traffic management, safety oversight and regulatory administration.
In a statement issued by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Micheal Achimugu, the aviation regulator reaffirmed its commitment to promoting equal opportunities for women within the industry.
“Women are central to the safety, innovation and resilience of aviation. Today we honour their achievements and reiterate our duty to remove barriers, expand opportunity and ensure that talent – not gender – determines advancement in this industry,” Najomo said.
He explained that recognising women’s contributions must be accompanied by deliberate measures aimed at strengthening their participation and leadership within the sector.
According to him, the NCAA remains committed to investing in training, professional development and mentorship initiatives that will help remove systemic barriers and foster an inclusive aviation environment.
Najomo further noted that the authority’s position aligns with the theme of the 2026 International Women’s Day campaign, “Give to Gain,” which highlights the value of mutual support, empowerment and mentorship in achieving sustainable progress.
He also acknowledged the outstanding achievements of women across the NCAA, the wider aviation industry and partner organisations, commending their leadership, technical competence and dedication to advancing aviation development in Nigeria.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, applauded women professionals in the aviation sector for their commitment to excellence and their role in mentoring younger generations.
Kuku made the remarks during the International Women’s Day celebration organised by the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) in Lagos.
Represented by the Deputy General Manager of FAAN’s One Stop Shop Department, Mrs Ujueze William Jumbo, the FAAN boss commended the association for consistently creating platforms that expose young women to career opportunities in aviation.
She described members of the association as strong role models whose achievements continue to inspire many young girls to pursue careers in aviation.
“You are doing a lot in pointing the right direction for younger females who may wish to choose a career in aviation. You are truly a source of invaluable motivation and positive influence for the girls,” she said.
Kuku also emphasised the indispensable role played by pilots and aircraft engineers in sustaining aviation operations, noting that the industry relies heavily on their expertise and professionalism.
“Without pilots and engineers, the aviation sector would literally not function. The industry depends on you heavily for operations and success,” she added.
She further assured the association of FAAN’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with aviation professionals in order to advance the development of the industry.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr Farouk Ahmed Umar, highlighted the progress women have made in breaking barriers within the aviation profession.
Represented by the Acting General Manager of Standards, Mrs Hauwa Musa, Umar said International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on achievements made so far while renewing commitment to gender equality and inclusiveness.
He observed that although aviation had historically been dominated by men, the situation is gradually changing as more women assume critical responsibilities across the sector.
According to him, women are now excelling as pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, aviation managers, regulators and technical specialists.
Within NAMA, he noted, female professionals play vital roles in ensuring the safe, orderly and efficient management of Nigeria’s airspace.
While acknowledging the progress achieved, Umar stressed that women remain underrepresented globally in several technical and leadership roles within aviation, calling for deliberate efforts to bridge the gap through mentorship, training and supportive workplace policies.
He also emphasised the need to inspire young girls across Nigeria to see aviation as a viable career path, noting that representation is key to encouraging the next generation of aviation professionals.
Stakeholders agreed that strengthening mentorship, expanding training opportunities and promoting inclusive policies will help create a more balanced and sustainable aviation industry for the future.
