Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed strong disapproval of private aircraft operators engaged in the illegal transportation of drugs and money laundering within Nigeria.
Speaking at a management meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Keyamo highlighted the thriving nature of these illegal charter operations within the aviation sector and declared his readiness to tackle the issue head-on.
This development follows an exclusive report by The PUNCH on the Federal Government’s, through the Nigerian Customs Service, initiative to address the improper importation of private jets into the country. About 80 operators of private jets are expected to present their aircraft import documents at the Nigeria Customs headquarters in Abuja.
Keyamo reiterated his commitment to ensuring safety, supporting local operators, and generating revenue upon taking office. He emphasized that the activities of illegal operators have resulted in significant financial losses for the Federal Government and raised serious security and safety concerns within the industry.
“It has come to my attention, through a series of disturbing reports, that the practice of illegal charter operations is thriving within the aviation industry, thereby undermining the efforts of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other regulatory bodies,” Keyamo said. He noted that these illicit activities have led to substantial financial losses and have used private aircraft for other illegal purposes.
Keyamo revealed that some legitimate aircraft operators have been colluding with illegal operators by allowing them to use their licenses and certificates to carry out these unlawful activities. He added that the office of the National Security Adviser has also observed a rise in money laundering, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities facilitated by private aircraft.
“Last week, the National Security Adviser wrote to us, alerting us of the spike in money laundering, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities through the use of private aircraft in the country. It appears that Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) operators have become increasingly emboldened, continuing their illegal operations with the assistance of Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders who collect tolls and list these illegal charters under their AOCs,” Keyamo added.
To combat these illegal operations, Keyamo announced the immediate formation of a ministerial Task Force on Illegal Private Charter Operations and Related Matters. This task force is charged with taking inventory of all PNCF holders and AOC holders, determining the reasons for the persistence of illegal charters, verifying the authenticity and validity of professional licenses of pilots and crew, and recommending additional measures to stem the tide of illegal activities.
The task force will also suggest appropriate sanctions for defaulters and further monitoring measures for private aircraft operations in Nigeria. Keyamo emphasized that the task force members were carefully selected from within the aviation industry for their high repute and integrity, wishing them success in their mission.
