NSIB’s Capt. Bunmi Gindeh Elected NAAPE President as Galadima Bows Out
Captain Bunmi Gindeh of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has emerged as the new president of the National Association of Air Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), following a keenly contested election that took place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, 27 September.
Gindeh secured victory with 51 votes, defeating his opponent, Francis Igwe, an aircraft engineer with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), who polled 17 votes.
Other officials elected included Mudi Muhammad, an aircraft engineer with Arik Air, who emerged unopposed as the national deputy president, while Adewale Adenugba was re-elected as the first trustee.
Edwin Udoh clinched the position of financial secretary, Blessing Ahmadu was elected publicity secretary, and Michael Nicholas emerged as the second trustee.
In his acceptance remarks, Gindeh praised the outgoing administration led by Abednego Galadima for laying a strong foundation for the association. He particularly lauded Galadima for establishing a training institute, which he described as a visionary move.
“I must commend my predecessor, Abednego Galadima, for taking the initiative to set up a training institute. It was an amazing idea, and we will work very hard to utilise that facility to meet international standards. He performed well, and we owe him a lot of gratitude,” Gindeh said.
The newly elected president outlined his priorities, highlighting member welfare, standardised contracts, and safety advocacy as his administration’s focus.
“During the campaign, we talked about the welfare of our members, and we would be pushing for standardised contracts across board like we have abroad. We are also going to advocate for safety for our members. We will also improve our secretariat so that it can be up to date,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about pilots’ availability to handle union responsibilities, Gindeh stressed the importance of teamwork and delegation. “One of the issues that came up during the campaign was that pilots would not have the time to carry out union functions, but the beautiful thing which I have learned is to delegate responsibilities to my team. We would get more done that way,” he noted.
Muhammad, who emerged deputy president, expressed delight at the opportunity to work with Gindeh, describing him as a leader with vision. “I want to work with Capt. Gindeh because he has a big vision for NAAPE. The outgoing leadership has done their best, and we are grateful to them. We are going to build on the foundation they have laid,” he said.
Igwe, who conceded defeat, congratulated Gindeh and pledged his support for the unity of the association. Similarly, the immediate past president, Galadima, called on the new leadership to prioritise unity and inclusiveness.
With the conclusion of the election, members of NAAPE look forward to a new era of leadership that promises reforms in contracts, improved welfare, and enhanced safety advocacy in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
