The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has raised the alarm that certain private aircraft operating in Nigeria are being exploited for money laundering, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities.
This revelation came during his inauguration of a Ministerial Taskforce Committee designed to curb illegal chartered operations within the country.
Speaking at the Ministry of Aviation in Abuja on Thursday, Keyamo disclosed that the misuse of these private aircraft has not only resulted in significant financial losses amounting to billions of dollars but has also posed severe security threats.
Although the minister refrained from naming specific airlines, he emphasised the urgent need for regulatory action.
“Some individuals and entities, who obtained licenses for non-commercial flight operations, have been violating the terms of these licences, engaging in activities that undermine the integrity and safety of our aviation sector,” Keyamo stated.
In response to these alarming developments, Keyamo has charged the newly inaugurated eight-member taskforce with several critical mandates.
The committee, chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Ado Sanusi, is tasked with conducting a comprehensive inventory of all non-commercial flight operators in Nigeria.
The committee is to investigate the authenticity of all professional licences and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures for any airlines found culpable.
The taskforce is expected to deliver a detailed report of their findings to the minister within the next three months, outlining the extent of the illegal operations and proposing actionable solutions to mitigate the risks and financial losses associated with these activities.
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