By Chris Agabi
Worried by huge revenue looses to illegal private aircraft charter operations, the Federal Government has inaugurated a committee to stop the menace.
This is even as the FG suspects the privately licensed jet operators who do not have the license for commercial flights also use their jets for money laundering and illicit drugs trade
Inaugurating the committee on Thursday, 27th June, 2024 in Abuja, the the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, said the Ministerial Task Force Committee on illegal private chartered operations and related matters to restore confidence in the aviation industry, to eliminate illegal operations also to ensure that every flight in the country’ skies adheres to the highest standards of safety and legality.
He said is compelled to take decisive action after meeting with the regulators and stakeholders within the aviation industry.
He said it is also an effort to stem, the practice of illegal chartered operations including illicit activities raising security and safety concerns culminating to significant financial losses to the Federal Government.
He said the Task Force members who have been carefully selected from within and outside the aviation industry and are of high repute and integrity.
The terms of reference include:
1. To take inventory of all Private Non-commercial Flight (PNCF) holders and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders.
2. To determine why the practice of illegal charters by PNCF holders persists in the country despite regulatory controls.
3.To call in all professional licenses of pilots and crew in the country and determine their authenticity and validity.
4. To recommend to the Minister any additional measures to be taken by regulatory agencies to stem the ugly tide.
5. To recommend appropriate sanctions to be imposed by the regulatory agencies on defaulters.
6. To recommend additional measures to further monitor the operations and activities of private aircraft in Nigeria.
Responding, Chairman of the Task Force Committee, Capt. Ado Sanusi appreciated the Minister for opportunity given to the committee and promised to get to the root of the problems at hand.
The members of the Inaugurated Task Force are as follows;
a. Capt. Ado Sanusi – Chairman
b. Capt. Roland Iyayi – Vice Chairman
c. Ag. Director of Air Transport, FMA&AD – Secretary
d. Theresa A. Babayo (DAYR-NCAA) – Member
e. A nominee from the National Security Adviser – Member
f. Capt. Daniel Quansah- Member
g. Capt. Patrick Ogunlowo – Member
h. Obafemi Bajomo (SA-HMA) – Member
