The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has signalled a new era of strategic leadership with the inauguration of its newly elected National Executive Council, (NEC) which held its first meeting in Abuja.
Declaring the meeting a significant milestone in the association’s history, NAAPE President, Captain Bunmi Gindeh, said the new leadership is set to reshape the professional landscape for pilots and engineers while strengthening Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He described NAAPE members as the backbone of flight safety, operational excellence and technological advancement in the industry, stressing that the NEC would serve as the “engine room” for driving reforms and delivering tangible results.
According to him, the new council has a clear mandate to protect members’ welfare and professional interests, engage constructively with industry stakeholders, promote continuous professional development and ensure the long-term sustainability of the association.
Addressing members of the newly constituted council, Captain Gindeh congratulated them on their emergence, noting that their election reflected the confidence and trust reposed in them by NAAPE’s membership across the country.
He emphasised that their selection was based not only on experience and technical competence but also on commitment to the association’s ideals, urging them to approach their responsibilities with wisdom, unity, transparency and a shared sense of purpose.
The president further called on the council to uphold diligence and accountability in its operations, while prioritising collective interests over personal considerations.
The meeting also paid tribute to past leaders of the association, acknowledging their contributions in laying a solid foundation for NAAPE’s growth and relevance. The new leadership pledged to build on this legacy, blending continuity with innovation in order to take the association to greater heights.
Closing the inaugural session, Captain Gindeh issued a strong call to action, stressing that decisions taken by the council would have far-reaching implications beyond the association.
“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,” he said.
Industry observers say the successful constitution of the new council positions NAAPE as a more strategic partner in Nigeria’s aviation development, with expectations of increased engagement in policy matters.
Areas expected to receive renewed attention include training and certification standards, local content development for aviation technical personnel, and improved working conditions in line with global best practices.
With a clear, multi-pronged agenda, the new NAAPE leadership is seen as poised to not only safeguard the interests of its members but also to play a more active role in shaping the future of air travel in Nigeria.
