Lt. Changfe Maigari is the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy since its inception in 1964. Hailing from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Maigari was born in Kaduna and is married with a daughter.
Her journey began in 2016 when she graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy and was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant. Maigari then served aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship Unity. Her dedication and hard work culminated in her receiving the prestigious ‘Pilot Wing’ award during the 2024 NN Ceremonial Sunset at the Naval Training Command Headquarters (HQ NAVTRAC) in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers, last Friday.
Achievements and Milestones
Lt. Changfe Maigari has consistently demonstrated excellence throughout her career. She graduated in 2016 as the Best Graduating Cadet in Academics, earning the Gold Medal Navy award. In 2019, she completed her Sub Lieutenant Technical Course as the overall best. Reflecting on her journey, Maigari said, “There were moments during my training when it seemed I might not succeed in my studies or flight procedures, but I persevered.”
Her accomplishment as the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy is a remarkable milestone and an inspiration to many aspiring female aviators in the country.
Recent Helicopter Acquisitions and Developments
The Nigerian Navy has recently bolstered its capabilities with the acquisition of three Leonardo A-109 Trekker helicopters from Caverton Helicopters Nigeria Limited. On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Ministry of Defence handed over the three Agusta Westland (A-109) Trekker Helicopters to the Nigerian Navy. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, along with other senior officers, was present to receive the newly acquired helicopters.
In 2021, the Nigerian Navy ordered three AW-109SP GrandNew helicopters, with the first delivered in January 2023, the second in May, and the third in September 2023. Earlier in May 2021, as part of the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure (NIMASA Deep Blue Project), three AW-109SP GrandNew helicopters were delivered to NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy at the naval air base Ojo, Lagos. Currently, the Nigerian Navy operates around 15 Leonardo A-109 series helicopters.
Training and Collaboration
In August, the Caverton Aviation Training Centre (CATC) announced the commencement of the Augusta Westland (A-109) Pilot Flight Simulator and Line Training for the Nigerian Navy. This training, taking place at the CATC facility, is conducted in collaboration with Leonardo, further enhancing the skills and capabilities of Nigerian naval aviators.