The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has strongly denied claims made in a recent report that suggested the government lost N120 billion due to illegal private jet charter operations in Nigeria. The report, which was published by a national daily, alleged that a ministerial task force had identified several companies and organizations engaged in unauthorized private jet charters.
According to the report, the task force’s investigation pointed to companies such as Arik Air Limited, BUA International Limited, Dominion Air Limited, Executive Jets Services, Max Air Limited, Rivers State Government, Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, and Nestoil PLC, among others, as being involved in these illegal activities. The claims in the article quickly stirred public attention, with many wondering about the implications of such widespread violations and the impact on the nation’s economy.
However, in a statement released on Thursday, March 6, 2025, the Ministry of Aviation clarified the situation. The statement outlined that the report, which was published on March 7, 2025, was based on incorrect information. According to the ministry, the task force report in question was only submitted to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development on the evening of March 4, 2025, and had not yet been reviewed or finalized at the time the report was published.
The ministry further clarified that the names of the companies mentioned in the article were not included in the actual task force report. It stated that the task force had not yet drawn any conclusions or made recommendations on specific entities, and that the media’s interpretation of the report was inaccurate.
“The Ministry of Aviation would like to categorically state that the report published by the national daily is false and misleading. The task force report has not been reviewed, and the names mentioned in the article do not appear in the report. We urge the public to disregard the false claims made in the media and maintain confidence in the government’s efforts to ensure proper regulation of the aviation sector,” the statement read.
The ministry also expressed concern over the potential damage such reports could cause to the reputation of both private companies and government institutions involved in the aviation industry. The statement condemned the publication for releasing unverified information, calling on journalists and media houses to verify their sources before publishing such sensitive content.
In light of the incorrect claims, the Federal Ministry of Aviation urged the national daily to retract the story and issue a formal apology to the companies and individuals named in the report. It also reassured the public that the ministry remained committed to maintaining strict regulatory oversight of the aviation sector, with the goal of ensuring that private jet charter operations are conducted in line with established laws and regulations.
The task force’s focus, as outlined by the ministry, is primarily on strengthening oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with aviation laws. The recommendations from the report are expected to address a range of issues including improving the security of private jet charters, enhancing transparency in the sector, and ensuring that all operators comply with relevant regulatory standards. This initiative, the ministry pointed out, is aimed at improving the overall safety and sustainability of the aviation industry in Nigeria.
Nigeria has a significant and growing private aviation sector, with numerous companies offering charter services to both domestic and international clients. The country’s aviation industry has been under increasing scrutiny in recent years, as the demand for private jet services continues to rise among the nation’s elite. However, the growth of this sector has also been accompanied by concerns over the lack of sufficient oversight, which has raised questions about the regulatory framework governing the operations of private jet companies.
The private jet charter industry in Nigeria remains a lucrative business, but it is also fraught with challenges. As the government continues to address the regulatory gaps and ensure proper oversight, it is hoped that the sector will become more transparent and better aligned with global standards. The denial of the N120 billion loss claim by the Federal Ministry of Aviation highlights the need for careful handling of information in the media, particularly when it comes to issues that could potentially damage the reputation of businesses and government agencies alike.
