The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has stated that the federal government is considering the recommendations of a task force investigating illegal charter operations.
Among the proposed measures is the potential closure of private hangars at airports across the country.
Speaking at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Keyamo described illegal charter operations as a “hydra-headed monster” that has cost the government an estimated N120 billion in lost revenue over the past decade.
He revealed that 80% of private jet owners in Nigeria exploit regulatory loopholes by obtaining Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) licenses, which are intended for personal use but are instead used for commercial operations. By doing so, they avoid the higher fees and stricter regulations associated with commercial charter licenses.
Keyamo emphasized that PNCF licenses are meant for private activities, such as personal travel or attending business and social events, and come with significantly lower fees. However, many private jet owners misuse these licenses to conduct commercial flights without paying the required taxes and fees. For example, while a licensed commercial operator might charge $10,000 for a flight from Lagos to Calabar and pay the necessary government fees, PNCF license holders operate similar flights without contributing to government revenue.
To tackle the issue, Keyamo established a task force led by Captain Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, to investigate illegal charter operations. The task force recently submitted its report, which contained what Keyamo described as “mind-boggling” findings. One of the major recommendations is the shutdown of private hangars to allow for a complete reconfiguration aimed at improving security and operational standards.
“The task force has recommended shutting down the private charter wing for a comprehensive overhaul, particularly regarding security and baggage screening equipment. We are currently reviewing how to implement these recommendations without significantly disrupting passenger movement,” Keyamo explained.
Beyond financial losses, the minister also highlighted security concerns associated with unregulated private jet operations. Many private jets, he noted, operate without proper documentation or passenger manifests, making it difficult to track passengers and cargo. This lack of oversight, he warned, could facilitate illegal activities such as smuggling, money laundering, and even terrorism.
“Sometimes, when a private jet is involved in a near accident, we struggle to determine who was on board. The sector is totally unregulated,” he added.
The federal government is now assessing the task force’s recommendations to determine the best approach to address the issue while minimizing disruptions to the aviation sector.
