Nigeria gets first female navy aircraft pilot

Lt. Changfe Maigari has made history as the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy (NN) since its inception in 1964.

Maigari, who is married with a daughter, hails from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau but was born in Kaduna.

Her remarkable journey began in 2016 when she graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant.

Subsequently, she served aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship Unity.

It was reported that Maigari was presented with the ‘Pilot Wing’ award during the 2024 NN Ceremonial Sunset at the Naval Training Command Headquarters (HQ NAVTRAC) in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers, on Friday.

In an interview with our reporter on the sidelines of the event, Maigari said that she achieved the milestone after completing her basic pilot training and fulfilling all requirements.

“I grew up in a military environment, as my father was an officer in the Nigerian Air Force.

“From an early age, I aspired to become a military pilot and when the opportunity to join the navy arose, I did not hesitate.’’

She recounted how her dream of becoming a naval officer materialised when she was selected among the first group of 20 female regular cadets trained at the NDA.

Maigari said she graduated in 2016 as the Best Graduating Cadet in Academics, earned the Gold Medal Navy award, and in 2019, completed her Sub Lieutenant Technical Course as the overall best.

“There were moments during my training when it seemed I might not succeed in my studies or flight procedures, but I persevered.

“Becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy feels surreal and a significant milestone, not only for me but for all my female colleagues who can draw inspiration from this achievement

“I also hope my success motivates young civilian girls aspiring to join the military, particularly the Nigerian Navy, to persist because perseverance can overcome any challenge in life,” Maigari advised.

She expressed gratitude to God, her colleagues, and her family for their unwavering support in helping her to achieve the milestone of becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy.

Presenting the award, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, commended Maigari and other award recipients for their exemplary achievements.

He highlighted that the sunset ceremony was a longstanding naval tradition marking the conclusion of the year’s activities.

“It is a moment to reflect on our 2024 accomplishments, strengthen comradeship and honour personnel who distinguished themselves through hard work.”

The navy chief spoke on the navy’s significant strides in combating oil theft, pipeline vandalism and sea piracy, among other maritime crimes, in 2024.

“In January, the navy launched Operation Delta Sanity which successfully curtailed oil theft and maritime crimes, increasing Nigeria’s daily crude oil production; several oil companies reported achieving a 100 per cent terminal factor.

“Two new naval bases were established in Enugu and Makurdi; the Shagunu outpost was operationalised; we also incorporated a maritime component into Operation Fansar Yamma in the North West.’’

He listed advancements in fleet recapitalisation, including the acquisition of two 32-metre fast patrol boats, an offshore survey vessel, and two helicopters in June.

“In November, three additional helicopters were launched and two 38-metre Sea Eagle fast patrol boats were delivered.

“By January, we expect delivery of three 46-metre fast boats from China, while two 76-metre Offshore Patrol Vessels under construction in Turkey are nearing completion.

“Our indigenous shipbuilding efforts include two 38-metre Seaward Defence Boats, three tugboats and several patrol boats, all scheduled for delivery in 2025,” Ogalla said.

He also noted upgrades to barracks in Lagos, Benue, Enugu and Ogun States, as well as ongoing construction of additional housing for personnel in Navy Towns located in Abuja and Lagos.

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers lauded the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in combating oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

He acknowledged the immense challenges posed by criminals in sabotaging the nation’s economy through attacks on oil and gas facilities.

“Eliminating these illegal activities in our maritime environment is no small task, especially as 90 per cent of our oil and gas infrastructure is located in the Niger Delta swamps.

“The Rivers Government has always supported and collaborated with the Nigerian Navy and will continue to do so to facilitate its operations in the state.

“As we approach 2025, Nigerians have high expectations and it is vital that we work together to confront and overcome the challenges ahead,” Fubara said.