Mal. Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Bola Tinubu has raises the alarm of money laundering, drug-trafficking and other illegal activities at the nation’s airports through the use of private jet operators in the Nigeria’s aviation industry....Read The Full Story Here ▶
This is as Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has set up an eight-man taskforce to address the illegal operations of Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF), while Capt. Ado Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Aero Contractors was appointed its chairman.
Keyamo, however, gave the committee three months to submit its findings and make critical recommendations to the government on how the menace could be eradicated in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee on Thursday in Abuja, Keyamo said that Ribadu had last week written a concerned letter to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, alerting of a spike in money laundering, drug-trafficking among the illegal operators.
Keyamo lamented that the illegal charter operators appeared to have become increasingly emboldened by continuing their illegal operations in connivance with the assistance of Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders.
He accused the AOC holders of collecting “tolls”, while listing these illegal charter operators under their AOCs.
He said: “It has come to my attention, through a series of disturbing reports, that practice of illegal charter operations is thriving within the aviation industry, thereby undermining the efforts of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other regulatory bodies.
“These illicit activities have not only resulted in significant financial losses to the Federal Government, but have also raised security and safety concerns as the operations of private aircraft owners have remained largely unchecked and unregulated. This has also resulted in using these private aircrafts for other illegal activities.
“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.”
Besides, Keyamo explained that the ministry had also received alarming reports that some crew members had not attended mandatory simulator trainings for nearly three years and had been flying with fraudulently-obtained renewed licenses.
He alleged that many of these individuals are operating planes registered under PNCF, but are conducting illegal charter operations with impunity.
In an order to address the challenge and the fraud in the system, Keyamo, has set up a
Ministerial Task Force on ‘Illegal Private Charter Operations and Related Matters.’
He appointed Capt. Ado Sanusi, as the Chairman of the committee, while Capt. Roland lyayi was selected as its Vice Chairman.
Other members of the committee are Director of Air Transport, Federal Ministry of Aviation (Secretary), Theresa Babaoye;
Directorate of Air Transport Regulation (
DATR), NCAA – member, one nominee from the National Security Adviser; Member, Capt. Daniel Quansah – Member, Capt. Patrick Ogunlowo; Member and Obafemi Bajomo; Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development as a member.
The taskforce was to take inventory of all PNCF holders and AOC holders,
determine why the practice of illegal charters by PNCF holders persists in the country despite regulatory controls, call in all professional licenses of pilots and crew in the country and determine their authenticity and validity.
Others are to recommend to the minister any additional measures to be taken by regulatory agencies to stem this ugly tide, recommend appropriate sanctions to be imposed by the regulatory agencies on defaulters, recommend additional measures to further monitor the operations and activities of private aircraft in Nigeria, any other terms of reference that may be determined by the minister as the Task Force continues its work.
The taskforce has three months to turn in its report and recommendations to the minister.
He added: “This taskforce is not only a response to the current challenges, but also a proactive step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability and integrity of our aviation sector.
“Together, we will work diligently to restore confidence in our aviation industry, eliminate illegal operations, and ensure that every flight in our skies adheres to the highest standards of safety and legality.
