The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance) has strengthened its Board with the appointment of two new non-executive directors following the retirement of two long-serving members. The changes also include the appointment of a new Vice Chairman, reinforcing the company’s leadership and governance structure.
The appointments were announced in a notice to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) signed by the Company Secretary, Mr Bello A. Abdullahi. Meanwhile, the company confirmed that Mr Wolemi Esan, SAN, and Dr Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga have joined the Board as non-executive directors.
Board strengthened with new appointments
The appointments followed the retirement of Mr Akinwumi Godson Fanimokun, Independent Non-Executive Director and Vice Chairman, and Mr Taofeeq Oluwatoyin Salman, Non-Executive Director. Their retirements became effective on 15 June 2026 and 30 June 2026 respectively after eight years of service.
According to the company, “Mr. Akinwumi G. Fanimokun still holds substantial shares in the Company even after his retirement as a result of age.” The statement acknowledged the significant contributions both directors made during their tenure.
Mr Wolemi Esan, SAN, brings more than two decades of legal experience to the Board. He has represented major corporations, financial institutions and government agencies in commercial disputes, arbitration and regulatory matters. In addition, he has advised on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure projects, capital markets and compliance.
His experience also covers landmark transportation and infrastructure transactions, including rail, port and airport concession projects. Furthermore, he has consistently earned recognition from Chambers Global, IFLR1000 and Legal 500 for his commercial law expertise.
Esan holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Lagos State University, a Bachelor of Law qualification from the Nigerian Law School, a Master of Laws from University College London as a Jeremy Bentham Scholar, and an MBA from Durham University.
Dr Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga joins the Board with extensive leadership experience across Nigeria’s power, financial and oil sectors. He currently serves as Executive Director at First Bank of Nigeria Limited and previously held senior leadership positions at Geregu Power Plc, Forte Oil (now Ardova Plc), Africa Finance Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank and KPMG.
His career includes leading corporate transformation initiatives, governance reforms, capital raising programmes and infrastructure financing. He also serves on the Board of Quant Investment Managers and holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Oxford Saïd Business School, alongside other academic and professional qualifications.
Meanwhile, the company also announced the appointment of Mr Tajudeen Omoshola Shobayo, FCA, as Vice Chairman. An existing Non-Executive Director, Shobayo succeeds the retiring Vice Chairman with effect from 1 July 2026.
The latest changes reflect NAHCO’s commitment to strengthening its Board with experienced professionals capable of supporting the company’s long-term growth strategy. Therefore, the appointments are expected to reinforce corporate governance, improve strategic oversight and position the aviation handling company for continued expansion within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
