Born on July 18, 1971, Osita Benjamin Chidoka is a Nigerian politician, public servant, and administrator. He held the position of Minister of Aviation in Nigeria during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and also served as the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Osita Benjamin Chidoka |
| Date Of Birth: | July 18, 1979 |
| State Of Origin: | Enugu, Nigeria |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Spouse: | Chidi Chidoka |
| Occupations: | Politician, Public Servant |
| Net Worth: | $80 – 500 million |
Early Life And Education
Osita Chidoka was born in Enugu, Nigeria, to Benjamin Ejikeme Chidoka and Victoria Nneka Chidoka at Charity Maternity Home in Enugu.
He attended Ziks Avenue Primary School and St. Vincent De Paul Nursery School for his primary education, and later Union Secondary School in Enugu from 1982 to 1988 for his secondary education. He furthered his studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management.
Chidoka also obtained a Masters of Public Policy degree from George Mason University in the United States, as well as a Certificate in Global Strategy and Political Economy from Oxford University UK, and a Graduate Diploma in Maritime and Ports Management from the National University of Singapore.
Career
Osita Chidoka began his public sector career with the Federal Capital Development Authority in Abuja after completing his National Youth Service Corps.
He was recognized with the National Youth Service Corps FCT Honours Award and later worked on significant national projects such as the visit of Pope John Paul II to Nigeria in 1998.
Chidoka also held leadership roles in various government committees and went on to serve in key positions within the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and Ministry of Transport.
In 2007, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Chidoka as the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps, making him the youngest person to hold this position at the age of 35.
During his tenure, Chidoka transformed the FRSC into a leading agency for road traffic administration and safety management in Nigeria, implementing initiatives such as a reliable offenders’ register, a database of drivers and vehicles, and the introduction of a biometric driver’s license.
He also upgraded the number plate issuing system, built modern production facilities, and secured increased budget allocations and international funding for road safety initiatives.
The FRSC under Chidoka’s leadership became the first Law Enforcement Agency in Africa to be ISO 9001Quality Management system certified.
Minister of Aviation
Osita Chidoka was appointed as the Federal Minister of Aviation on July 23, 2014. Prior to this role, he chaired the Transportation Subcommittee for Nigeria’s Centenary and the Transportation Committee for the World Economic Forum held in Nigeria in May 2014.
During his tenure as Aviation Minister, he introduced the “one Nigerian pilot in the cockpit” policy and oversaw the construction of new terminals in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
In 2017, Chidoka ran for governor of Anambra State under the United Progressive Party but was defeated by Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
Known as a founding member of the People’s Democratic Party, he continues to be involved in community initiatives, such as a health outreach program that benefited 179 communities in Anambra State in 2019.
Personal Life
Osita Chidoka is married to Chidi Chidoka and has a brother, Obinna Chidoka, who served as a member of the House of Representatives.
He is a passionate advocate for public policy and has contributed numerous articles, essays, and speeches on various aspects of public policy and safety management.
Chidoka also writes a column called “Bridge Builder” for Leadership Newspapers, where he shares practical ideas for promoting good governance.
Osita Chidoka Net Worth
While Osita Chidoka’s exact net worth is not definitively disclosed in existing sources, a prior estimate indicated a potential net worth between $80 million to $500 million. This estimate is based on his affiliations and impact across different sectors, notably during his time in public service and private sector positions.
Awards and Recognitions
- Traditional title of Ike-Obosi (Strength of Obosi) and a member of Ndi-Ichie, the highest decision-making body of Obosi Traditional Council of Anambra State in May 2009.
- Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria Merit Award on November 27, 2010.
- Institute of Logistics Management of Nigeria Fellowship Award in July 2011.
- Distinguished Alumnus Award for Good Governance and Model on Road Safety by the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka on November 12, 2011.
- Officer of the Federal Republic, OFR.
- Sun and Hallmark Newspapers Public Servant of the Year 2012 awards.
- Leadership Newspapers Government Agency of the Year 2012 award.
