BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has issued a stark warning about the increasing misuse of private jets for illegal activities, including money laundering and drug trafficking.
Speaking in his Abuja office during the inauguration of a ministerial task force on illegal private charter operations, Keyamo highlighted the severe security threat these activities pose to Nigeria’s airspace.
Keyamo detailed how Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) operators exploit regulatory loopholes to conduct illegal charters, often with the collusion of Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders who turn a blind eye in exchange for fees.
Saying, this lack of regulation has created an environment conducive to criminal activities.
Additionally, Keyamo raised concerns about the qualifications and training of some pilots, revealing that some have not undergone mandatory simulator training for years and may be flying with fraudulent licenses.
“This presents a significant safety risk, especially for those operating under the guise of legitimate PNCF flights.
“We have identified critical issues within the aviation industry that require immediate action. Reports have indicated that illegal charter operations are thriving, undermining the efforts of regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),” Keyamo stated.
He emphasized that these activities result in substantial financial losses for the government and compromise national security and safety.
The National Security Adviser recently alerted the ministry to a surge in money laundering and drug trafficking facilitated by private aircraft. Keyamo noted that PNCF operators are becoming increasingly bold, continuing their illegal activities with the tacit support of AOC holders.
To address these issues, Keyamo has established a task force to take inventory of all PNCF and AOC holders, determine why illegal charters persist despite regulatory controls, and verify the authenticity and validity of professional licenses for pilots and crew members.
The task force according to him will also recommend measures to monitor private aircraft operations and suggest appropriate sanctions for violators.
The task force members include Capt. Ado Sanusi (chairman), Capt. Roland Iyayi (vice-chairman), the Director of Air Transport, and other industry experts. They are expected to work for three months, with possible extensions if necessary.
