Lt. Changfe Maigari has etched her name in history as the first female pilot of the Nigerian Navy since its establishment in 1964.
Hailing from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State but born in Kaduna, Maigari is married with a daughter. She began her remarkable journey in 2016 after graduating from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and being commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant. She later served aboard the Nigerian Navy Ship Unity.
Her historic achievement was celebrated on Friday during the 2024 Nigerian Navy Ceremonial Sunset at the Naval Training Command Headquarters (HQ NAVTRAC) in Ebube-Eleme, Rivers State, where she received the prestigious ‘Pilot Wing’ award.
A Dream Realized
In an interview, Maigari recounted how growing up in a military environment—her father being an officer in the Nigerian Air Force—inspired her dream of becoming a military pilot. She seized the opportunity to join the navy, becoming one of the first 20 female regular cadets trained at the NDA.
Graduating in 2016 as the Best Graduating Cadet in Academics and recipient of the Gold Medal Navy award, Maigari further distinguished herself in 2019 by completing her Sub Lieutenant Technical Course as the overall best.
“Becoming the first female pilot in the Nigerian Navy feels surreal,” she said. “It’s a significant milestone for me and an inspiration for my female colleagues and young girls aspiring to join the military. Perseverance truly conquers challenges.”
She expressed gratitude to God, her colleagues, and her family for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
Navy Chief and Government Commend Achievements
Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, presented the award, praising Maigari and other honorees for their exemplary achievements. He emphasized the significance of the sunset ceremony in celebrating the navy’s accomplishments and honoring its personnel.
Ogalla highlighted the navy’s achievements in 2024, including advancements in combating oil theft, piracy, and maritime crimes, as well as fleet modernization efforts:
Launch of Operation Delta Sanity to curb oil theft, resulting in increased crude oil production.
Establishment of naval bases in Enugu and Makurdi, and the operationalization of the Shagunu outpost.
Acquisition of advanced vessels and helicopters, with further expansions expected in 2025.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara lauded the navy for its role in combating oil theft and securing the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure. He pledged the state’s continued support for naval operations in the region.
Trailblazing Women in Nigeria’s Military
Lt. Maigari’s achievement follows that of Olanike Nafisat Balogun, who recently became the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service. These milestones signify growing opportunities for women in Nigeria’s military and paramilitary services, inspiring future generations to break barriers.
NAN
