Hadi Abubakar Sirika is a well-known Nigerian politician and former aviation minister, as well as a trained pilot. Born on March 2, 1964, in Shargalle, Dutsi Local Government Area of Katsina State, he made history as the first professional aviator to hold the position of Nigeria’s Aviation Minister. Serving from 2015 to 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari, Sirika is recognized for being one of the longest-serving ministers in the aviation sector.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Hadi Abubakar Sirika |
| Date of Birth | March 2, 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Shargalle, Dutsi LGA, Katsina State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Katsina State |
| Spouse | Married |
| Children | Daughter: Fatima Hadi Sirika |
| Occupations | Politician, Former Aviation Minister, Senator, Pilot |
| Net Worth | Estimated between US$10 million and US$20 million (unverified) |
Early Life and Education
Born in Shargalle, Katsina State, on March 2, 1964, Hadi Sirika hails from northern Nigeria.
He pursued aviation studies in the United States, attending institutions such as the Petroleum Helicopters Institute, Flight Safety International, and Delta Aeronautics. His training gave him solid technical expertise in aviation.
Additionally, he earned a Master of Science degree in Air Transport Management, underscoring his dedication to advancing his knowledge in the field.
Career
Sirika entered politics in 2003 when he was elected to the Federal House of Representatives, serving until 2007. He focused on aviation-related issues, leveraging his professional background.
In 2011, he was elected Senator representing Katsina North under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).
During his Senate tenure, he served as Vice-Chairman of the Millennium Development Goals Committee and was a member of the Aviation Committee. He sponsored bills including amendments to the constitution and electoral laws.
In 2015, following the APC’s electoral victory, Sirika was appointed Minister of State for Aviation and was later promoted to full Minister of Aviation in 2019. He held this position until May 2023.
During his time as Aviation Minister, Sirika launched the Aviation Sector Roadmap aimed at transforming Nigeria’s aviation industry. His leadership saw the renovation of airport runways, terminal upgrades, and improved navigation systems.
Under his watch, major airports like Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed and Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe airports received certification from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
As of 2025, Hadi Sirika remains an active member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and denies rumors of switching parties. He continues to face ongoing legal battles but has been allowed to travel abroad for medical reasons.
Personal Life
Hadi Sirika maintains a relatively private personal life. He is married, though details about his spouse are not publicly disclosed.
He has a daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, who works with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Fatima married Jalal Sule Hamma, an employee of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), in December 2020. The couple owns Al-Buraq Global Investment Limited.
Achievements
Professional Honors
Sirika has received multiple awards, including:
- Excellence in Public Service Award (2019) by BusinessDay Newspaper
- Minister of the Year Award by Independent Newspapers
- ICAO Champion of the No Country Left Behind Initiative Award
- Honorary Fellowship and Distinguished Service Award from the Nigerian Institute of Architects
- Nigeria Aviation Awards (NIGAV) Man of the Year
Sectoral Impact
- Eliminated import duties on aircraft engines and spare parts
- Improved availability of aviation fuel
- Reorganized aviation agencies for efficiency
- Upgraded Nigerian College of Aviation Technology to a regional center of excellence
- Introduced policies on drone operations
- Enforced expatriate quota policies in aviation employment
Awards and Honors
- BusinessDay Newspaper’s Excellence in Public Service Award (2019)
- Independent Newspapers’ Minister of the Year Award
- ICAO’s Champion of the No Country Left Behind Initiative Award
- Nigerian Institute of Architects’ Honorary Fellowship and Distinguished Service Award
- Nigeria Aviation Awards (NIGAV) Man of the Year (2023)
Hadi Sirika Net Worth
Estimates of Hadi Sirika’s net worth range from approximately US$10 million to US$20 million, though these figures are not officially confirmed. His wealth is attributed to his extensive career in politics and aviation.
Legal Issues
After leaving office in May 2023, Sirika has faced legal challenges related to his time as Aviation Minister:
- Arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in April 2024 over allegations of money laundering connected to the failed Nigeria Air project.
- Charged with multiple counts of contract fraud involving billions of naira, including contracts awarded to his family members and related companies.
- Granted bail with strict conditions, including surrendering passports and providing property as collateral.
- Ongoing court proceedings with Sirika and co-defendants pleading not guilty.
