Hadi Sirika

Hadi Abubakar Sirika (born March 2, 1964) is a Nigerian government official, aviator, and politician who served as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is recognized for his significant role in Nigeria's aviation sector during his ministerial tenure. **Early Life and Education** Hadi Sirika was born on March 2, 1964. He hails from Katsina State, Nigeria. While the specific details of his primary and secondary education are not widely documented, Sirika pursued a career in aviation, becoming a trained pilot. **Career Progression and Political Life** Sirika has had a varied career spanning aviation and politics. As an experienced aviator, he transitioned into public service. He was elected to the Nigerian Senate in 2011, representing the Katsina North Senatorial District, where he focused on legislative matters concerning transportation and aviation. His political career reached a peak when he was appointed Minister of Aviation by President Muhammadu Buhari. He held this position from 2015 until the end of the administration in 2023. During his time as minister, he championed policies and projects aimed at modernizing Nigeria's aviation infrastructure and services. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** As Minister of Aviation, Sirika oversaw several key projects and initiatives. He was a central figure in the push for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, a project initiated years before his tenure. Under his leadership, a contract for the runway was eventually signed, although the project's estimated cost experienced significant inflation and has since faced scrutiny. Sirika’s tenure was marked by efforts to reform the aviation sector, including the establishment of new regulatory frameworks and infrastructure development across various Nigerian airports. **Current Status** Hadi Sirika currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Umaru Musa Yar'adua University (UMYU), Katsina. In addition to his academic role, he has been involved in legal proceedings concerning his time as Minister. In 2024, he was standing trial in the FCT High Court, Abuja, on charges related to alleged abuse of office, criminal breach of trust, and fraud amounting to N19.4 billion, connected to contracts awarded to his younger brother and associated companies during his leadership of the aviation ministry.