The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has promised that the eagerly anticipated report on illegal air charter operations will be released shortly, revealing shocking findings that could reshape Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
This report, compiled by the Ministerial Taskforce on Illegal Air Charter Operations, was formed following mounting concerns from legitimate operators within the aviation sector. Complaints about illegal air charter services and alarming links to serious criminal activities, including drug trafficking and money laundering, prompted the creation of the taskforce in June 2024.
Speaking in Abuja, Keyamo disclosed that the taskforce’s investigation uncovered significant irregularities in Nigeria’s aviation industry. According to him, illegal charter operators were found to be using foreign-registered private jets for unauthorized commercial operations.
Criminal Activities and Aviation Irregularities
“The task force has uncovered disturbing evidence, though I will not share the details yet,” Keyamo said during a briefing. “The investigation revealed widespread violations of the regulations governing Private Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF). We found that foreign-registered aircraft were being misused for illegal charter operations, with some high-net-worth individuals and operators involved in activities that could threaten national security.”
The Taskforce, which is chaired by Captain Ado Sanusi with Captain Roland Iyayi as Vice-Chair, has spent months investigating the complex issue. Initial reports from the committee revealed disturbing links between rogue air charter operators and various illicit activities, including the transportation of illicit substances. Their preliminary findings also raised questions about the integrity of some high-profile operators in the sector.
Keyamo did not hold back in his statement, asserting that the government would act decisively against those found guilty of breaching aviation laws. “The work of the committee has been extensive,” he emphasized. “Several private operators have already been grounded for violating the law. We will not allow these illegal operators to continue disrupting the aviation industry, and we will soon make the full report public.”
Taskforce Delays: A Testimony to the Gravity of the Investigation
Originally tasked with completing their investigation within three months, the committee had to request two extensions, owing to the complexity of the findings. The extra time allowed the taskforce to dig deeper into the operations of illegal charter companies and their connections to criminal activities.
“We took longer than expected,” Keyamo acknowledged. “The taskforce required more time because of the enormity of the work. This is not a simple matter, and the team’s thoroughness is a testament to the seriousness of the issue at hand.”
The report, which is now nearing completion, will outline the findings in detail and suggest recommendations for addressing the gaps in the regulatory framework that allowed these illegal operations to thrive.
Aviation Experts Come Together to Tackle the Crisis
Among the key figures in the taskforce, aviation experts such as Captain Daniel Quansah and Captain Patrick Ogunlowo worked diligently alongside other members like Theresa Babaoye, the Director of Air Transport at the Federal Ministry of Aviation, to ensure a comprehensive investigation. With their expertise, the committee was able to uncover critical issues that could have gone unnoticed.
Despite the challenges faced by the taskforce, Keyamo affirmed that the investigation was a necessary step to safeguard Nigeria’s aviation industry and ensure that the country’s airspace remains secure. “We cannot afford to ignore the risks posed by these illegal operators,” he said firmly.
Keyamo Defends National Carrier Project Amidst Controversy
While addressing the illegal air charter operations issue, Keyamo also took the opportunity to reaffirm his stance on Nigeria’s long-delayed national carrier project. The minister expressed his continued support for the initiative but emphasized that the national carrier must prioritize the interests of Nigeria and its citizens.
“I am a strong advocate for a national carrier,” Keyamo stated. “However, it must serve the interests of Nigerians and not be focused on benefiting foreign interests. This project must be designed in a way that strengthens our economy and creates jobs for our people.”
Keyamo’s comments come at a time when there have been growing concerns about the direction of the national carrier project, with critics arguing that the proposal may not be structured to maximize Nigeria’s benefits.
Maiduguri International Airport Set for Major Boost
In addition to his comments on illegal air charter operations and the national carrier, Keyamo also highlighted the imminent readiness of the Maiduguri International Airport to handle international flights. The Borno State Government has been working to extend the terminal building, and Keyamo assured the public that the Ministry of Aviation would inspect the new facilities in the coming weeks to ensure they meet international standards.
“We are working with the Borno State Government to ensure that the Maiduguri International Airport is ready to handle international flights,” Keyamo said. “The extended terminal building will improve the infrastructure and provide better services for passengers traveling to and from the region.”
With the expansion of the Maiduguri International Airport, Keyamo hopes to boost air travel and foster regional economic growth.
The Path Forward: A Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
The upcoming release of the taskforce’s report on illegal air charter operations is seen as a significant move in the government’s efforts to restore order in the aviation sector. Keyamo’s call for transparency and accountability in the industry reflects his commitment to addressing long-standing issues, particularly concerning the role of illicit operations in undermining the aviation ecosystem.
As the final report draws closer to release, stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation industry are eagerly awaiting its contents. The findings are expected to have far-reaching consequences, with potential regulatory reforms and legal actions against violators.
“We are committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s aviation industry remains safe, regulated, and transparent,” Keyamo concluded. “The release of this report is just the beginning. We will continue to push for reforms that put Nigeria first.”
