The Ministerial task force set up to investigate illegal air charter operations in Nigeria has uncovered widespread illicit activities within the sector, including potential money laundering and drug smuggling.
The task force, inaugurated on June 27th, 2024, by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, also revealed a staggering 357% increase in private business jets operating in the country over the past two decades.
While reeling out its preliminary findings at a news briefing in Lagos, the spokesman for the taskforce, Roland Iyayi said, “We have uncovered the prevalence of illegal air charter operations in the country”
“Even more alarming is the fact that these operations are not only restricted to small-time operators but also include some high-net-worth individuals using their private jets.”
Preliminary findings by the task force highlight several alarming trends:
Explosive growth in private jets: The number of private business aircraft operating in Nigeria has skyrocketed from 44 in 2005 to 157 in 2024.
Widespread illegal charters: A significant number of Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) license holders are engaging in illegal charter operations, resulting in significant revenue losses for the government.
Opaque practices: The task force identified issues with passenger manifesting, conflicting and inadequate regulatory oversight, and the prevalence of foreign-registered aircraft that escape scrutiny from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The task force outlined several next steps in its investigation, including:
Public call for information: Publishing an advertorial to solicit information and evidence from the public.
Whistleblower interviews: Conducting confidential interviews with individuals possessing insider knowledge of illegal activities.
Stakeholder engagement: Engaging with key industry stakeholders and PNCF license holders to gather information and perspectives.
The task force emphasized its commitment to confidentiality, transparency, and accountability throughout the investigation.
The team aims to submit its final report with recommendations for stricter regulations and sanctions against defaulters within three months.