The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) launched a new chapter in its history as its newly elected National Executive Council convened for its inaugural, historic meeting yesterday.

The event, held in Abuja, was hailed by President Captain Bunmi Gindeh as marking a “significant milestone” and setting the stage for a period of strategic, forward-looking leadership dedicated to transforming the professional landscape for pilots and engineers across Nigeria.

The President underscored the critical role of NAAPE’s members as the “backbone of flight safety, operational excellence, and technological advancement in Nigerian aviation.”

The message to the new council was unambiguous: they are the “engine room” tasked with delivering tangible results in four key areas: protecting members’ interests, engaging constructively with stakeholders, fostering professional development, and ensuring institutional sustainability.

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Addressing the newly constituted body, the President offered congratulations, noting that their presence is a “testament to the trust and confidence” of the membership.

He emphasised that members had been chosen not only for their expertise and experience but also for their dedication to the ideals of NAAPE, with tasks ahead requiring wisdom, unity, and unwavering commitment.

The council was urged to operate with diligence, transparency, and a spirit of collaboration, prioritising the collective good over individual interests.

The meeting also paid homage to the association’s past leaders, acknowledging the solid foundation they laid. The current council pledged to build upon the legacy of the past leaders and take NAAPE to even greater heights, signalling a commitment to continuity while embracing necessary evolution.
The inaugural session concluded with a powerful call to action.

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“The decisions we make in this council will directly impact not only our members but also the safety and efficiency of air travel in our nation,” Captain Gindeh declared, framing the national executive council’s work as a matter of national importance that extends far beyond internal union affairs.

The successful constitution of this council suggests NAAPE is poised to become a more strategic partner in the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector. Industry observers anticipate a renewed focus on policy engagement, particularly concerning training standards, local content development for technical personnel, and ensuring compliance with global best practices for working conditions.

The new leadership’s clear, multi-pronged agenda indicates a strategic move toward not only protecting its members but also actively shaping the future of Nigerian air travel.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.

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