Nigeria’s Abuja Terminal Shutdown Urged Over Airport Crime
A Nigerian task force investigating illegal charter operations has called for the immediate shutdown and reorganisation of Abuja’s general aviation terminal. The committee’s report, delivered to Minister Festus Keyamo on March 4, revealed that over 90% of airport criminal activities—ranging from money laundering and drug trafficking to fugitive transfers—are taking place at this terminal, posing severe risks to aviation safety and national security.
The Committee on Illegal Chartered Operations was established by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in July 2024 in response to a growing number of illicit air charters across the country. In its findings, committee chairman Ado Sunusi, CEO of Aero Contractors (N2, Lagos), emphasized that weaknesses in regulatory oversight, gaps in permit issuance for non-commercial flights, and security vulnerabilities have created a dangerous environment. These shortcomings have reportedly cost the federal government more than NGN120 billion (approximately USD80 million) in lost revenue over the past decade, according to Economic Confidential.
Sunusi noted that high-net-worth Nigerians frequently use private jets for unauthorised charter operations. This practice not only deprives the government of potential revenue but also creates an uneven playing field for legitimate charter operators. “Our findings highlight that these illegal activities pose a major threat to aviation safety while undermining fair competition. Ninety percent of the criminal activities occur in the general aviation terminal in Abuja, be it money laundering, drug trafficking, or fugitive transfers,” he said. In light of these findings, the report strongly recommends that the general aviation terminal be immediately shut down, thoroughly assessed, and reorganised before being reopened for business.
The report further advises that the government should strengthen regulatory oversight and enhance security measures to bring private charter operations in line with international aviation standards. The committee’s recommendations include improving compliance with aviation laws and closing regulatory loopholes that currently allow unauthorised operations to flourish.
Minister Festus Keyamo, a former prosecutor with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has vowed to take swift action against these criminal activities. Speaking after the report was received, Keyamo stressed the importance of creating a safer and more secure aviation environment in Nigeria. “The findings are deeply concerning. We are committed to stopping these illegal operations and ensuring that our aviation sector is safe, secure, and operates within the bounds of the law,” he declared.
In addition to addressing the illegal charter operations at Abuja’s general aviation terminal, Keyamo disclosed that the government is also investigating a foreign commercial airline. This airline has been accused by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of facilitating drug trafficking, raising further alarms about the risks posed by unregulated operations in Nigeria’s aviation industry. “These illegal operations are completely unregulated. Sometimes there isn’t even a passenger manifest. If this can happen with commercial airlines, imagine the risks with private jets,” Keyamo warned.
The task force’s report is a critical wake-up call for Nigerian aviation authorities. With recommendations for immediate shutdown and reorganisation of the Abuja terminal, as well as stronger regulatory and security measures, the report aims to curb the rising tide of illegal charter operations and safeguard the nation’s airspace and economy.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com