Nigeria's First Female Navy Aircraft Pilot Makes History

Lt. Changfe Maigari has made history as the first-ever female aircraft pilot in the Nigerian Navy (NN) since its establishment in 1964. Her remarkable achievement is a testament to resilience, dedication, and breaking barriers for women in the military.

Trailblazing Journey to the Skies
Born in Kaduna and originally from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Maigari was raised in a military environment, with her father serving as an officer in the Nigerian Air Force. Her military journey began in 2016 when she graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant.

Maigari’s career included serving on the Nigerian Navy Ship Unity. Her latest milestone came in December 2024, when she earned the prestigious ‘Pilot Wing’ award at the Nigerian Navy Ceremonial Sunset event, held at the Naval Training Command Headquarters in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers State.

Overcoming Challenges
Speaking about her journey, Maigari shared how she overcame numerous challenges during her training, from mastering flight procedures to excelling in technical courses. Her commitment to excellence earned her recognition as the Best Graduating Cadet in Academics at NDA in 2016, along with the Gold Medal Navy Award.

“There were moments when I doubted myself, but perseverance and support from my family and colleagues helped me overcome every obstacle,” she said. Maigari’s achievement stands as a beacon of inspiration for women in the military and young girls aspiring to break into male-dominated fields.

Chief of Naval Staff’s Commendation
Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, commended Maigari during the ceremony for her exceptional contributions and urged her to continue inspiring others. He highlighted the navy’s achievements in 2024, including combating oil theft and maritime crimes through Operation Delta Sanity, which increased Nigeria’s daily crude oil production.

Ogalla also touched on naval advancements, including:

Fleet Expansion: Acquisition of fast patrol boats, helicopters, and offshore survey vessels.
Maritime Operations: Establishment of new naval bases in Enugu and Makurdi.
Indigenous Shipbuilding: Projects like Seaward Defence Boats and patrol boats, set for delivery by 2025.

Support from Rivers State Government
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State praised the navy’s efforts in combating oil theft and illegal bunkering, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure, particularly in the Niger Delta.

A Milestone for Gender Equality in the Navy
Lt. Changfe Maigari’s historic accomplishment as the Nigerian Navy’s first female aircraft pilot is a major step toward breaking gender barriers in the military. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but a rallying call for women everywhere to pursue their dreams with determination and courage.