The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) marked a historic moment on December 1, 2025, as its newly elected National Executive Council convened for its inaugural meeting in the Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja.
In a gathering hailed as a “significant milestone,” the President, Captain Bunmi Gindeh told the assembled council that the association is entering a period of “strategic, forward‑looking leadership dedicated to transforming the professional landscape for pilots and engineers across Nigeria.”
Captain Gindeh emphasized that NAAPE’s members are the “backbone of flight safety, operational excellence, and technological advancement in Nigerian aviation,” and tasked the council with delivering tangible results in four key areas: protecting members’ interests, engaging constructively with stakeholders, fostering professional development, and ensuring institutional sustainability.
“You are the engine room tasked with delivering tangible results,” he said, adding that the new council’s presence is a “testament to the trust and confidence” of the membership.
Gindeh urged the council to operate with “diligence, transparency, and a spirit of collaboration,” prioritizing the collective good over individual interests. He also paid tribute to past leaders, noting that their solid foundation had laid the groundwork for the current council to “build upon the legacy… and take NAAPE to even greater heights.”
In a closing call to action, Captain he declared, “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,” framing the council’s work as a matter of national importance.
Industry observers anticipate a renewed focus on policy engagement, particularly concerning training standards, local content development for technical personnel, and compliance with global best practices for working conditions.
The new leadership’s multi‑pronged agenda signals a strategic move toward not only protecting its members but also actively shaping the future of Nigerian air travel.
A press release issued by Engr. Blessing N. Ahmadu, Public Relations Officer, stastes: “NAAPE is poised to become a more strategic partner in the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector,” underscoring the association’s commitment to continuity, evolution, and the advancement of the aviation profession nationwide.
