Aviation Reforms Create New Leadership Openings for Women -Stakeholders
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation industry have reiterated that recent Federal Government reforms have created unprecedented opportunities for women to rise into leadership and decision-making positions across the sector.
The Lagos Regional Manager of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Barrister Bukola Teriba, made this assertion recently at the 2025 Award Night of Women in Aviation International (WAI) in Lagos, where she was honoured with the Woman of the Day award.
Teriba said the policy direction under President Tinubu has opened up the aviation space for competent women to showcase leadership, professionalism and technical expertise.
She attributed the growing number of women in managerial positions within aviation agencies to deliberate efforts by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Director General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo.
According to her, the evolving landscape places a responsibility on women to deliver excellence and justify the confidence reposed in them.
She stressed that empowerment policies must be matched with performance, discipline and continuous professional development.
Teriba also described Women in Aviation International as a catalyst for capacity building, mentorship and collaboration, noting that the organisation has continued to inspire women to aspire to top roles within the industry.
She urged young girls and early-career professionals to see aviation as a viable and rewarding field rather than an exclusive domain.
Also speaking at the event, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Nnamdi Udoh, drew attention to the importance of work life balance for professional women in aviation.
He said the sector’s 24 hour operational nature demands deliberate policies that protect wellbeing, productivity and safety.
Udoh argued that sustainable aviation growth depends not only on regulations and infrastructure, but also on healthy professionals capable of making sound decisions under pressure.
He called on industry leaders to promote workplace cultures that value balance, mentoring and long term retention.
In her address, the National President of WAI Nigeria, Mrs. Rejoice Ndudinachi, said the organisation has grown into a platform that champions inclusion, diversity and leadership development.
She noted that WAI remains committed to preparing women to lead across all segments of the aviation value chain, while inspiring the next generation to view the skies as a space of opportunity rather than limitation.
