Nigeria to Crack Down on Illegal Private Jet Charter Operations
Nigeria’s aviation minister, Festus Keyama, has announced plans to intensify efforts to combat illegal private jet operations, which he estimates have caused the federal government to lose NGN120 billion (USD77.9 million) in revenue over the past decade. During a press briefing in Abuja, Keyama warned that the Ministry of Aviation would implement stricter regulations to ensure compliance with the country’s aviation laws.
Keyama stated that many private jet owners exploit regulatory loopholes by registering their aircraft under Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) licences, intended for personal use. These aircraft are then used for commercial purposes, evading higher aviation fees. This practice, according to Keyama, creates significant safety and security risks, as it complicates the ability of authorities to track passengers and cargo.
The minister highlighted that illegal charter operations have been a longstanding issue in Nigeria, thriving for over 50 years. His remarks come after a report released on March 4 by a seven-member committee investigating illegal charter activities. The committee recommended immediate changes, including the shutdown and reorganisation of Abuja’s general aviation terminal, where criminal activities like money laundering, drug trafficking, and fugitive transfers have been found to occur. The report calls for stronger regulatory oversight, improved security measures, better compliance with aviation laws, and ensuring that private charter operations meet international standards.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com