NAAPE Nears Take-Off with PEN Aviation Institute, Marks 40 Years of Advocacy

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) is set to enter a new era with the upcoming launch of its aviation training school, the PEN Aviation Institute, a move that industry observers say could redefine professional capacity development in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

A Landmark Achievement

Addressing reporters in Lagos, NAAPE President, Abednego Galadima, revealed that the training institute is in the final stages of certification by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Once completed, it will begin training aviation professionals in fully equipped classrooms, designed to meet international standards.

According to Galadima, the project is more than just an institutional expansion—it is a bold stride toward financial independence for NAAPE while also directly addressing Nigeria’s pressing need for skilled manpower in the aviation industry.

“This project is not just about NAAPE; it is about preparing Nigeria’s aviation workforce for the future. It is a proud step toward self-sustainability and national development,” he told journalists.

Building Capacity for the Future

For years, Nigeria’s aviation sector has struggled with the high cost of sending professionals abroad for training and re-certification. With PEN Aviation Institute, NAAPE hopes to close that gap and ensure that pilots, engineers, and other technical personnel can acquire world-class training locally.

Industry stakeholders note that this could reduce dependency on foreign training institutions, save foreign exchange for the country, and build stronger local expertise to support airlines and aviation maintenance operations.

40 Years of Advocacy and Resilience

The unveiling of the school was held alongside the launch of NAAPE’s 40th anniversary logo, setting the stage for a month-long celebration that will climax on September 27 with a national delegates’ conference and the election of new executives.

Looking back on the association’s journey since its formation in 1985, Galadima reflected on the struggles that defined NAAPE’s early years. He recalled how during Nigeria’s military era, many pilots were dismissed arbitrarily, leaving the association to fight uphill battles for justice, workers’ rights, and professional recognition.

“Our story is one of resilience. We began as an association fighting for survival during turbulent times, and today we are building an institution that will empower generations of aviation professionals,” Galadima said.

Shaping the Next Chapter

NAAPE’s legacy over the past four decades has been tied to its role as a voice for aviation workers, championing welfare, safety standards, and professional dignity. With the PEN Aviation Institute, the association is now positioning itself not only as a labor advocate but also as a builder of institutions that will shape the industry’s future.

The dual celebration—of the school’s imminent take-off and the association’s 40-year milestone—has been described by observers as symbolic of NAAPE’s evolution from activism to nation-building.

As September’s conference draws closer, many in the aviation sector will be watching closely—not only to see the election of NAAPE’s next leadership team but also to witness how the association’s new training venture could help redefine Nigeria’s aviation landscape.