Nigeria Loses ₦120 Billion to Illegal Private Jet Charters as Government Vows Crackdown

The Nigerian government has suffered a staggering revenue loss of ₦120 billion over the past decade due to illegal private jet charters. A new report commissioned by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has exposed widespread regulatory failures, weak enforcement, and security breaches that have allowed illicit operators to thrive in the aviation sector. The report, prepared by the Ministerial Task Force on Illegal Private Charter Operations, reveals how private aircraft owners exploit regulatory loopholes to run unauthorized commercial flights, depriving the government of billions in potential revenue.

The report states that many private jet owners have been using their aircraft for commercial purposes under the disguise of personal or corporate use. These operators avoid the high taxes and licensing fees required for legal air charter services, creating an uneven playing field for legitimate businesses. The findings point to a lack of inter-agency coordination, outdated policies, and weak oversight by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, which has struggled to clamp down on illegal activities in the sector.

Among the names listed in the report are major companies, government entities, and private operators allegedly involved in unauthorized charter operations. Some of these include Arik Air Ltd, BUA International Limited, Dominion Air Limited, Executive Jets Services, Max Air Ltd, Rivers State Government, Julius Berger Nig. Ltd, and Nestoil Plc. While these organizations have not yet responded to the allegations, the report recommends stricter monitoring and enforcement to address the problem.

The task force has called for urgent measures to curb these illegal operations, including the restructuring of the General Aviation Terminal in Abuja, which has been identified as a key location for unauthorized private charter activities. The facility, according to the report, has been exploited by operators who take advantage of weak security and regulatory enforcement to run flights without proper authorization. The government is also considering repealing the 22-year aircraft age ban, which has been criticized as an arbitrary restriction that stifles industry growth.

To improve oversight, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is expected to introduce a licensing framework for air charter brokers. This move aims to bring transparency to the industry and hold operators accountable. The new framework will require all air charter services to be fully licensed and monitored, ensuring that only authorized operators are permitted to conduct commercial flights.

However, aviation experts are skeptical about whether the proposed reforms will be effective without strong enforcement. John Ojikutu, an aviation security expert and CEO of Centurion Security Limited, criticized the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for failing to implement existing regulations. He pointed out that most illegal charter operators are linked to high-profile individuals, making enforcement difficult. He also questioned the regulation of foreign-registered aircraft, arguing that many of the illegal charters are conducted by aircraft registered outside Nigeria, which exploit loopholes in the country’s aviation laws.

Ojikutu argued that the first step in addressing the issue should be identifying and grounding illegally operated aircraft. He emphasized that agencies such as the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and airport authorities must work together to ensure these aircraft are not cleared for takeoff. He recalled that in previous years, foreign-registered aircraft were only allowed to operate for a limited period, and strict regulations prevented illegal operations. He urged the government to reinstate similar policies to curb illegal activities.

Another aviation analyst, Olumide Ohunayo, stressed the need for better coordination between regulatory bodies and the adoption of technology to track aircraft operations in real time. He suggested moving aviation processes online, which would enable authorities to monitor flight activity more effectively and identify discrepancies in aircraft operations. He also called on customs officials to tighten oversight on aircraft importation and registration to prevent private jets from being used for illegal commercial services.

A source familiar with the industry, who spoke anonymously, highlighted how difficult it is to prove illegal charter operations. Many private jet owners claim their aircraft are used solely for personal or corporate purposes, making it challenging to hold them accountable for commercial operations. The source explained that payments for illegal charter services are often made in cash or through intermediaries, making it hard to track transactions. Without clear legal definitions, prosecuting illegal operators remains a major challenge.

The issue of illegal private jet charters has also raised concerns about national security. Intelligence agencies have flagged the rise in unauthorized flights as a potential risk, linking them to money laundering and drug smuggling. The Nigerian government’s renewed focus on this issue is partly driven by security concerns, with authorities determined to prevent the misuse of private jets for illegal activities.

In June 2024, Minister Festus Keyamo established the Ministerial Task Force on Illegal Private Charter Operations, directing the committee to conduct a thorough review of all private and commercial aviation activities. The task force was mandated to compile an inventory of private non-commercial flight permit holders and air operator certificate holders to distinguish between legitimate and unauthorized operators. The committee was given three months to complete its findings and submit recommendations to the government.

With the task force’s report now released, all eyes are on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other aviation regulators to see how they will respond. The government’s ability to implement effective reforms will determine whether Nigeria can recover the billions lost to illegal private jet charters and restore order in the aviation sector.

Stay informed with the latest news from Nigeria and beyond. Join us on WhatsApp or Telegram for real-time updates. Have a report or article? Send it to report@trendingnaijanews.com. Follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for more updates.

Nigeria Loses ₦120 Billion to Illegal Private Jet Charters as Government Vows Crackdown

About Us

Trending Naija News Logo

At Trending Naija News, we are committed to delivering timely, accurate, and engaging news content that keeps you informed about what’s happening around you. Whether it’s breaking news, politics, entertainment, sports, or lifestyle, we’ve got you covered.

   Subscribe now!    Like our page!     Join us today!    Stay updated!
error: Content is protected !!

About Us

Trending Naija News Logo

At Trending Naija News, we are committed to delivering timely, accurate, and engaging news content that keeps you informed about what’s happening around you. Whether it’s breaking news, politics, entertainment, sports, or lifestyle, we’ve got you covered.

   Subscribe now!    Like our page!     Join us today!    Stay updated!