The Federal Government is considering shutting down the General Aviation Terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja due to reports that its VIP section has become a hub for money laundering, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other criminal activities.
The GAT is primarily used by private jet owners and charter services.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has raised concerns over private jet owners misusing the Permit for Non-Commercial Flight to conduct unauthorized commercial operations.
This practice has led to substantial revenue losses and poses serious security risks.
The Ministerial Task Force on Illegal Charter Flight Operations, led by the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Ado Sanusi,
uncovered major regulatory lapses that have cost the federal government ₦120 billion in revenue losses over the past decade.
Presenting the Task Force’s findings on Tuesday in Abuja, Sanusi highlighted key challenges, including regulatory weaknesses, loopholes in the PNCF system, inadequate oversight, and security vulnerabilities.
The Task Force recommended reorganizing the General Aviation Terminal in line with findings from an International Civil Aviation Organization security audit.
Sanusi emphasized that implementing these measures would curb illegal activities, strengthen security, and improve revenue efficiency in the aviation sector.
Additionally, it could help eliminate GAT’s role as the hub for 90% of illegal charter operations.
Keyamo condemned the lack of proper regulation, stating that it has enabled illegal operations and posed serious threats to national security.
He assured stakeholders that the findings would not be ignored, reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing aviation safety and strengthening regulatory oversight.
The Aviation Minister vowed to address the issue decisively.
He stated, “When I resumed office, some advised me to let it go, arguing that regulating PNCF holders is difficult because they are often considered ‘untouchables.’ But my background, both in civil society and as an EFCC prosecutor, has trained me to touch the untouchable. That is my duty.”
