….Keyamo vows crackdown
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has identified significant regulatory weaknesses, loopholes, and security vulnerabilities in the permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) system, leading to revenue losses and criminal activities in the aviation sector.
A committee set up by the ministry to investigate illegal private charter operations in Nigeria found that the General Aviation Terminal in Abuja was being used for criminal activities such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and fugitive transfers.
The committee recommended that the terminal be shut down to prevent further illegal activities.
The chairman of the 7-member task force, Captain Ado Sanusi, presented the final report to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, revealing that the investigation uncovered critical challenges, including regulatory weaknesses, inadequate oversight, and security vulnerabilities.
The findings pose risks to aviation safety and create an uneven playing field for legitimate operators.
The committee recommended that the government strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance security measures, improve compliance with aviation laws, and ensure that private charter operations are conducted transparently and in line with international standards.
Mr. Keyamo vowed to tackle all illegal chartered operations and related matters in Nigeria, pledging that his ministry would not fail to safeguard the aviation industry.
He acknowledged that the issue of illegal charter operations has been ongoing for many years but emphasized the need to confront it head-on.
The minister commended the committee members and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for their cooperation and promised to implement the committee’s recommendations, assuring that the issue would not be swept under the carpet.
