The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, has pledged to put an end to illegal charter operations and related infractions in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Speaking at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja while receiving the report of the Committee on Illegal Chartered Operations and Related Matters, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to curbing illicit aviation activities.
Keyamo expressed concerns over the growing menace of illegal charter operations conducted by private jet and aircraft owners who obtain licenses under the Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) but misuse them for unauthorised commercial activities. He emphasised that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to put a stop to such illegal acts, pledging that his ministry will take decisive action to safeguard the aviation industry in line with its mandate.
“This practice has persisted for many years before I became minister, but I believe it is time to confront it head-on,” Keyamo stated. “When these operators evade regulation, it creates opportunities for money laundering, drug trafficking, illegal entry and exit from the country and all sorts of unlawful activities.”
While commending the committee members and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for their diligence in compiling the report, the Minister assured that the recommendations would be implemented. He stressed that the government is serious about ensuring compliance with aviation laws and eliminating illegal practices that undermine the industry.
Chairman of the seven-member Ministerial Task Force on Illegal Charter Operations, Capt. Ado Sanusi presented the final report, expressing gratitude to the minister for his leadership and the opportunity to contribute to improving the aviation sector. He explained that the committee carried out a comprehensive investigation into illegal private charter operations in Nigeria and identified several critical challenges, including regulatory weaknesses, loopholes in the PNCF system, inadequate oversight, security vulnerabilities and significant revenue losses to the government.
Sanusi highlighted that these illegal activities not only compromise aviation safety but also create an unfair competitive environment for legitimate operators. The committee’s recommendations include strengthening regulatory oversight, enhancing security measures, enforcing stricter compliance with aviation laws and ensuring that private charter operations adhere to international standards.
He urged the minister to ensure the swift implementation of the committee’s findings, stating that adopting the recommendations would foster a more secure and economically viable aviation industry in Nigeria.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana commended Keyamo for his dedication to revamping Nigeria’s aviation sector. He assured the committee that the ministry would not hesitate to take necessary action on the recommendations to restore order and transparency to private charter operations in the country.
