NAHCO board appointments have strengthened the leadership of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc. The company has appointed Dr. Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga and Wolemi Esan (SAN) as Non-Executive Directors. Their appointments took effect on July 1, 2026.
NAHCO disclosed the appointments in a regulatory filing signed by Company Secretary Bello A. Abdullahi. The appointments followed the retirement of Akinwumi Godson Fanimokun and Taofeeq Oluwatoyin Salman from the board.
Board Restructuring Follows Directors’ Retirement
The NAHCO board appointments formed part of a wider leadership restructuring. In addition, the board appointed Tajudeen Omoshola Shobayo, an existing Non-Executive Director, as Vice Chairman.
Shobayo succeeds Fanimokun, who retired after serving eight years on the board. However, NAHCO said Fanimokun remains one of the company’s significant shareholders despite his retirement.
The company explained that age considerations informed his decision to step down.
Omodayo-Owotuga Brings Banking and Infrastructure Experience
Dr. Omodayo-Owotuga joins the board with more than two decades of corporate leadership experience. He currently serves as Executive Director at First Bank of Nigeria Limited.
Before joining FirstBank, he worked as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Geregu Power Plc. During his tenure, he helped strengthen corporate governance and improve operational performance.
Earlier in his career, he held senior positions at Ardova Plc, Africa Finance Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, and KPMG.
His academic credentials include a Doctorate in Business Administration from Saïd Business School, an MBA from IE Business School, and an Accounting degree from the University of Lagos.
Esan Adds Strong Legal and Governance Expertise
Wolemi Esan also brings extensive legal experience to the board. He serves as Deputy Managing Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi and holds the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
For more than 20 years, he has advised companies, financial institutions and government agencies. His work covers commercial litigation, arbitration, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and infrastructure projects.
Furthermore, Esan has contributed to major transportation projects involving rail, ports and airport concessions.
International legal directories, including Chambers Global, IFLR1000, and Legal 500, have recognised his expertise.
He earned his LL.B from Lagos State University, an LL.M from University College London, and an MBA from Durham University.
Appointments Reinforce NAHCO’s Growth Strategy
The NAHCO board appointments come only weeks after FirstBank promoted Omodayo-Owotuga to Executive Director. That appointment became effective on May 13, 2026.
FirstBank praised his achievements across banking, infrastructure finance, power, auditing, consulting, and the oil and gas sector. The bank also highlighted his role in transforming businesses and improving operational efficiency.
His leadership contributions at Forte Oil and Geregu Power Plc have earned him recognition as one of Nigeria’s leading corporate transformation executives
The latest NAHCO board appointments reflect the company’s commitment to stronger corporate governance and strategic leadership. By appointing Julius Omodayo-Owotuga and Wolemi Esan, the aviation handling company has added deep expertise in finance, infrastructure, corporate law and governance.
Moreover, the appointments position NAHCO to strengthen its leadership structure as it pursues long-term growth within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
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