# Nigerian Navy gets first female Pilot

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/12/nigerian-navy-gets-first-female-pilot/
- Published: 2024-12-14T19:23:05+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

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.

![Nigeria's first female navy aircraft pilot, Lt. Changfe Maigari](https://www.military.
africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-13-at-6.44.58-PM-750x412-1.
png)

Nigeria’s first female navy aircraft pilot, Lt. Changfe Maigari

### 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.

ADVERTISEMENT

### **Recent Helicopter Acquisitions and Developments**

The Nigerian Navy has recently bolstered its capabilities with the [acquisition of three Leonardo A-109 Trekker helicopters](https://www.military.africa/2024/11/nigerian-navy-receives-three-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.

ADVERTISEMENT

In 2021, the Nigerian Navy [ordered](https://www.military.africa/2023/02/nigerian-navy-receives-aw-109sp-grandnew-helicopter-from-leonardo/)
three AW-109SP GrandNew helicopters, with the first [delivered](https://www.military.africa/2023/02/nigerian-navy-receives-aw-109sp-grandnew-helicopter-from-leonardo/)
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](https://www.military.africa/2021/03/nigerias-deep-blue-project-acquires-aw109-helicopter/)
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.

ADVERTISEMENT

### **Training and Collaboration**

In August, the Caverton Aviation Training Centre (CATC) [announced](https://www.military.africa/2021/12/nigerian-navy-launch-customer-for-caverton-aviation-aw139-full-flight-simulator/)
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.

### _Related_