NAAPE at 40: Four Decades of Service, Struggles and Triumphs in Nigerian Aviation
NAAPE President Engr. Galadima Abednego unveiling the 40th anniversary logo in Lagos.
As the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) clocks 40, the Nigerian aviation industry has a compelling reason to celebrate. For four decades, NAAPE has stood tall as the voice, conscience, and custodian of professional excellence in one of the most strategic sectors of the nation’s economy—aviation.
When NAAPE was formed in 1985, few could have predicted the journey it would take in becoming a key voice in Nigeria’s aviation industry. Four decades later, NAAPE is not only celebrating its 40th anniversary but also reflecting on its contributions to aviation safety, workers’ rights, and industry development.
The unveiling of the 40th anniversary logo in Lagos by the association’s president, Engr. Galadima Abednego, marked the start of a series of month-long activities to commemorate the milestone. For NAAPE, the celebrations are more than ceremonies; they are a tribute to unity, resilience, and service.
Born in Adversity
NAAPE was born out of necessity, following the merger of the Society of Licensed Aircraft Engineers and Technicians (SLAET) and the Association of Airline Pilots and Flight Engineers of Nigeria (APFEAN). Its formation came during the turbulent military era of the mid-1980s, when worker rights were often trampled upon.
One of the earliest and toughest battles came with the dismissal of 48 pilots from the then Nigerian Airways, simply for demanding their rights. That episode underscored the importance of having a strong, collective voice for aviation professionals.
“That moment defined our resilience,” recalled NAAPE Abednego, “It reminded us why we exist—to protect, to defend, and to ensure fairness, even in the face of adversity.”
However, Abednego noted that “While democracy has improved the protection of workers’ rights, it is regrettable that in 2025, some airlines still resist unionization. It remains a contradiction that while airline owners enjoy freedom of association through the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), some of them deny their staff the same constitutional right.”
Members of NAAPE at the unveiling of its 40th anniversary logo in Lagos
Guardians of Safety
At the heart of NAAPE’s mission is the pursuit of safety. Pilots and engineers, often described as the “lifeblood” of aviation, carry the ultimate responsibility of ensuring that every flight is safe. “Safety is at the heart of our mission. Without safety, there is no aviation,” Abednego stressed.
Over the years, NAAPE has remained uncompromising in demanding global best practices, adherence to safety standards, and continuous professional development for its members. Its firm stance has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s improved safety records in recent years and the recognition of the country by global aviation bodies.
Advocacy and Reforms
NAAPE’s journey has not been without challenges. From industry downturns to airline collapses, poor policies, and economic turbulence, the association has consistently risen to the occasion. It has stood firm in labour struggles, negotiating fair conditions of service for its members, intervening during industrial disputes, and insisting that the welfare of professionals must not be compromised. NAAPE has also played a critical role in policy advocacy—pushing government and regulatory authorities toward reforms that align with international standards.
L-R:Wazirin Ikulo of Ikulo and former General Manager, Human Resources, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chief Anthony Ayasal, representative of the Rector and Dean, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Engr. Daniel Lawrence, President, National Association of Aircraft Pilots (NAAPE), Abednigo Galadima, representative of the Director General and Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, Human Resources Officer, Arik Air, Idaresit Okon Essien and former NAAPE President, Engr. Kyari Sheri Ayabu at one day symposium organised by NAAPE in Abuja.
Human Capital Development
Another cornerstone of NAAPE’s contribution is in human capacity development. The association has championed training opportunities for young Nigerian pilots and engineers, many of whom today occupy key positions in domestic and international airlines. Through mentorship, scholarships, and partnerships, NAAPE has nurtured a new generation of aviation professionals, ensuring that Nigeria remains competitive on the global stage.
Social Responsibility
Beyond aviation, NAAPE has also shown commitment to corporate social responsibility. Its interventions in education, community development, and youth empowerment highlight the association’s recognition of its broader responsibility to society. These gestures have strengthened NAAPE’s image as a socially-conscious body.
From One Branch to Many
From a modest beginning with a single branch in Nigerian Airways, NAAPE has expanded into over ten branches across different airlines and aviation organisations. Although some of these branches went under with the collapse of moribund airlines, the association has remained resilient.
Under the stewardship of twelve presidents, NAAPE has grown into a structured organisation with influence that stretches beyond Nigeria. In the last eight years, under Abednego’s leadership, NAAPE has taken bold steps to institutionalise reforms, strengthen governance, and secure financial independence.
A major achievement was acquiring a befitting national secretariat after years of being tenants. “We are no longer perpetual tenants; we are landlords,” Abednego declared proudly. Today, the secretariat houses administrative offices, classrooms for the association-owned PEN Aviation Institute, and a travellers’ lodge under renovation—all geared toward financial sustainability.
Nigerian Airlines pilots
Global Affiliations, Local Impact
Recognising the global nature of aviation, NAAPE extended its reach by affiliating with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), which has members in 147 countries and a combined strength of 18 million workers. This has given the association a louder voice in international labour and aviation circles.
Closer to home, NAAPE has focused on welfare and capacity building. It has consistently negotiated conditions of service for its members, advocated for bailout packages during the COVID-19 pandemic, and promoted aviation safety through workshops, safety evaluation indexes, and awards.
The association has also been deliberate in promoting inclusivity. In his first term, Abednego inaugurated a Women’s Commission, appointing a National Woman Leader to ensure female members have a strong voice. Over the past eight years, the Commission has remained an active part of NAAPE’s administrative council.
Preserving Legacy, Inspiring the Future
Part of NAAPE’s vision has been to document and celebrate excellence within the industry. In recent years, it published a compendium of 50 outstanding Nigerian pilots and aircraft engineers—a reference material that highlights the sacrifices of aviation pioneers and provides a model for younger professionals.
Leadership development has also been central. NAAPE organises annual leadership training to build capacity among its executives, ensuring continuity and professionalism in its ranks.
“Everything we have achieved is because our predecessors handed us an association in peace and with great potential,” Abednego said. “Today, we celebrate our unity, our resilience, and our contribution to safety in the aviation industry.”
Investing in the Future
As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, NAAPE plans to launch a Young Aviator Foundation to provide scholarships and grants for aspiring aviation professionals. The initiative is in line with ICAO’s Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) programme, designed to prepare the industry for the future.
The celebrations, which will culminate in September 2025, also include a golf tournament, a dinner lecture themed “40 Years of Working for Aviation Safety,” and awards to deserving individuals and organisations. The climax will be the 16th National Delegates Conference, where new leaders will be elected.
Dignitaries expected at the events include the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, CEOs of airlines, and heads of aviation agencies.
Celebrating Resilience
For NAAPE, the 40th anniversary is not just about nostalgia—it is about reaffirming its role as a guardian of safety, fairness, and professionalism in Nigerian aviation. “We celebrate our unity, our service, our resilience,” Abednego told reporters. “We celebrate our forebears who laid the foundation, and we look to the future with renewed commitment.”
At 40, NAAPE has much to celebrate: its role in defending workers’ rights, promoting safety, supporting training, and shaping policy in Nigeria’s aviation industry. But the journey is far from over. The association faces new challenges in an era of rapid technological change, shifting labour dynamics, and evolving regulatory demands.
Still, its leaders remain optimistic. With its institutional reforms, financial independence, and global affiliations, NAAPE is positioning itself to remain relevant for decades to come.
Looking Ahead
As NAAPE marks 40 years, the journey is both a celebration of the past and a call to action for the future. The challenges facing aviation today— from economic headwinds to technological disruptions, environmental concerns, and global competition—require the association to reinvent itself while holding firmly to its values.
With the unveiling of its 40th anniversary logo, NAAPE signals its readiness to embrace the next chapter, one that promises stronger advocacy, deeper collaboration, and greater impact.
For Nigeria’s aviation industry, NAAPE at 40 is more than a milestone; it is a reminder of the indispensable role pilots and engineers play in keeping the skies safe, and of the power of collective action in shaping an industry.
As stakeholders, professionals, and the flying public join in the celebration, one thing is clear: the story of Nigerian aviation cannot be written without NAAPE. And at 40, the association remains as relevant and as resilient as ever.
As Abednego put it at the unveiling: “Long live NAAPE! Long live the aviation industry! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”
Happy 40th Anniversary to NAAPE—the pride of Nigeria’s aviation family.
