The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has pledged to tackle all illegal chartered operations and related matters in Nigeria.
Keyamo made this commitment while receiving the report of a 7-member committee on illegal chartered operations and related matters.
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The Minister emphasized that the issue of illegal charter operations by private jets and aircraft owners has been a long-standing problem in the aviation sector.
He noted that these operations often involve obtaining licenses under false pretenses and using aircraft for illegal activities such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and illegal entry and exit from the country.
Keyamo commended the committee members and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for their work and promised to implement the committee’s recommendations. He assured that the report would not be ignored and that his ministry would work to safeguard the aviation industry.
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The chairman of the committee, Captain Ado Sanusi, presented the report, highlighting critical challenges such as regulatory weaknesses, loopholes in the permit system, inadequate oversight, security vulnerabilities, and significant revenue losses to the government.
The committee recommended strengthening regulatory oversight, enhancing security measures, improving compliance with aviation laws, and ensuring transparency in private charter operations.
The Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development assured that the recommendations would be implemented to create a viable aviation industry in Nigeria