The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja, inaugurated a Ministerial Task Force to address illegal private charter operations and related issues within the aviation industry.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that the task force will conduct a comprehensive inventory of all Private Non-Commercial Flight holders and Air Operator Certificate holders.
Keyamo emphasized the task force’s role in investigating the persistence of illegal charters by PNCF holders despite existing regulatory controls. “The committee will also verify the authenticity and validity of all professional licenses of pilots and crew members in the country,” he said.
The task force is expected to recommend additional regulatory measures and appropriate sanctions to curb illegal operations. It will also suggest further monitoring strategies for private aircraft activities in Nigeria.
The task force is composed of esteemed members of the aviation industry, including Capt. Ado Sanusi as Chairman, Capt. Roland Iyayi as Vice Chairman, and the Director of Air Transport at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development as Secretary. Other members include Theresa Babaoye from DATR-NCAA, a nominee from the National Security Adviser, Capt. Daniel Quansah, Capt. Patrick Ogunlowo, and Obafemi Bajomo (SA-HMA).
“This task force is not only a response to current challenges but also a proactive step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability and integrity of our aviation sector,” Keyamo stated. The task force will operate for three months, with possible extensions if necessary.
Keyamo urged collective efforts to restore confidence in the aviation industry, eliminate illegal operations, and ensure that all flights adhere to the highest safety and legal standards. He expressed optimism that these efforts would lead to a stronger, more secure, and prosperous aviation industry.
Highlighting the urgency of the task force, Keyamo noted that illegal charter operations have resulted in significant financial losses and raised serious security concerns. The National Security Adviser recently alerted the ministry to a rise in money laundering, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities facilitated by private aircraft.
“It appears that PNCF operators have become increasingly emboldened, continuing their illegal operations with the assistance of AOC holders who collect tolls and list these illegal charters under their AOCs,” Keyamo said.
He also reported that some crew members have been flying without mandatory simulator training for nearly three years, using fraudulently obtained renewed licenses.
In response to these concerns, Keyamo reiterated his commitment to his five-point agenda: safety, infrastructure, support for local operators, human capacity development, and revenue generation. Capt. Ado Sanusi, Chairman of the Ministerial Task Force, assured that the task force would work diligently to achieve its objectives through efficient and judicious performance.
