Leaders and stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector have praised the growing influence and contributions of women in the industry, while reaffirming their commitment to promoting equal opportunities and stronger inclusion across the aviation value chain.
The call formed the highlight of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), where key aviation institutions underscored the importance of empowering women and encouraging greater female participation in technical and leadership roles within the sector.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, noted that women have become indispensable to the progress of Nigeria’s aviation industry, contributing significantly across diverse operational and regulatory functions.
In a message commemorating the global celebration, Najomo observed that female professionals have distinguished themselves in critical areas such as flight operations, aircraft engineering, safety regulation, air traffic services and aviation management.
According to the NCAA helmsman, the authority under his leadership remains firmly committed to ensuring equal opportunities for women within the aviation ecosystem.
In a statement released by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Micheal Achimugu, the Director-General stressed that the achievements of women in aviation deserve recognition and sustained institutional support.
“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 emphasised that celebrating women should go beyond symbolic gestures, noting that concrete actions such as investment in training, mentorship and the removal of systemic barriers are necessary to build a more inclusive aviation sector.
Najomo further explained that the authority’s commitment aligns with the 2026 International Women’s Day campaign theme, “Give to Gain,” which highlights the importance of reciprocity, empowerment and collective support in driving meaningful progress.
He also acknowledged the outstanding contributions of women across the NCAA, the broader aviation industry and partner organisations, describing their leadership, technical competence and dedication as critical to the continued development of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, applauded women professionals in aviation for their resilience, excellence and commitment to mentoring the next generation of female aviation practitioners.
Kuku delivered her message at the International Women’s Day celebration organised by the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) in Lagos. She was represented at the event by the Deputy General Manager of FAAN’s One Stop Shop Department, Mrs Ujueze William Jumbo.
She commended the association for consistently organising programmes that provide guidance and inspiration for young women aspiring to build 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 young girls,” she stated.
Kuku described mentorship as a vital component in shaping the future of the aviation workforce, noting that initiatives such as the NAAPE event help bridge the growing mentorship gap in society.
She also highlighted the indispensable role played by pilots and aircraft engineers, explaining that their technical expertise forms the backbone of aviation operations worldwide.
“Without pilots and engineers, the aviation sector will literally not function. The industry depends heavily on your professionalism and dedication for its operations and success,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr Farouk Ahmed Umar, stressed that International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the need to promote equality and inclusion in the aviation industry.
Represented by the Acting General Manager, Standards, Mrs Hauwa Musa, the NAMA chief noted that although aviation was historically viewed as a male-dominated profession, women are increasingly breaking barriers and assuming strategic roles within the sector.
He pointed out that female professionals are now excelling as pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, regulators and aviation managers, contributing immensely to the safety and efficiency of Nigeria’s airspace.
Within NAMA, Umar said, the growing number of female air traffic controllers, engineers and technical specialists demonstrates the agency’s commitment to harnessing talent and promoting professional development irrespective of gender.
While acknowledging the progress made, he emphasised that women remain underrepresented globally in some technical and leadership positions within aviation.
According to him, bridging this gap requires sustained efforts through mentorship, professional training, supportive workplace policies and institutional commitment.
He further stressed the importance of inspiring young girls across Nigeria to see aviation as a viable and rewarding career path, noting that representation plays a critical role in expanding opportunities for future generations.
Industry stakeholders agreed that strengthening collaboration, promoting mentorship and creating inclusive opportunities will help unlock the full potential of women and ensure the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
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