NAHCO appoints Wolemi Esan, Julius Omodayo-Owotuga as non-executive directors
By Aboki Forex —
Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc has appointed Wolemi Esan (SAN) and Dr Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga as Non-Executive Directors effective July 1, 2026. The appointments fill vacancies created by the retirement of long-serving directors Akinwumi Godson Fanimokun and Taofeeq Oluwatoyin Salman.
The board changes were disclosed in a regulatory filing signed by the company's Secretary, Bello A. Abdullahi. NAHCO also announced the appointment of Tajudeen Omoshola Shobayo, FCA, as Vice Chairman of the board, succeeding Fanimokun.
New directors bring legal and banking expertise
Esan joins the board as one of Nigeria's leading commercial lawyers with more than 20 years of experience in corporate law, arbitration, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure projects, and corporate governance. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), he has advised multinational corporations, financial institutions, and government agencies on complex commercial transactions and disputes.
His portfolio includes landmark transportation and infrastructure projects, particularly in the rail, airport, and port concession sectors. Esan is recognised by leading international legal ranking organisations including Chambers Global, IFLR1000, and Legal 500. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from Lagos State University, a Master of Laws (LL.M) from University College London, and an MBA from Durham University.
Dr Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga brings decades of experience in banking, infrastructure finance, energy, corporate transformation, and governance. He currently serves as Executive Director at First Bank of Nigeria Limited and has held several senior leadership positions across the banking and energy sectors.
Board reshuffle follows retirement of directors
According to the filing, the appointments were approved by NAHCO's board to replace the retired directors with effect from July 1, 2026. The company stated: 'The Board has approved the appointment of Mr. Wolemi Esan, SAN, and Dr. Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga as Non-Executive Directors to replace the retired Directors with effect from 1st July 2026. The Board also appointed Mr. Tajudeen Omoshola Shobayo, FCA, an existing Non-Executive Director, as Vice Chairman to replace the retired Vice Chairman.'
NAHCO noted that although Fanimokun retired due to age considerations after eight years on the board, he remains a significant shareholder in the aviation handling company.
What this means for NAHCO and the aviation sector
The appointments are expected to strengthen NAHCO's strategic oversight as the company continues to expand its operations and improve corporate governance. The latest board changes underscore NAHCO's commitment to maintaining a strong leadership team capable of driving sustainable growth while leveraging deep expertise across key sectors of the Nigerian economy. For stakeholders, the injection of legal and banking expertise signals a focus on governance and infrastructure-linked expansion in Nigeria's aviation handling space.