Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, SAN.
Minister Launches Task Force to Combat Illegal Activities in Private Aviation
Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has raised concerns over the increasing misuse of private aircraft for money laundering, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities.
Speaking at the inauguration of an eight-member ministerial task force in Abuja on Thursday, Keyamo emphasized the urgent need for regulation. "The operations of private aircraft owners have remained largely unchecked and unregulated, leading to a spike in illegal activities such as money laundering and drug trafficking," said ministry spokesperson Odutayo Oluseyi.
Keyamo, after consulting with aviation regulators and stakeholders, has mandated the task force to restore confidence in the industry by ensuring all flights comply with the highest safety and legal standards. "The task force members are urged to work diligently to eliminate illegal operations and ensure every flight adheres to strict safety and legality," the minister stated.
The task force, composed of esteemed professionals from both within and outside the aviation industry, is charged with several key responsibilities. These include inventorying all Private Non-commercial Flight (PNCF) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders, investigating the persistence of illegal charters despite regulatory controls, verifying the authenticity and validity of pilots' and crew members' licenses, and recommending further regulatory measures.
Additionally, the task force will suggest appropriate sanctions for regulatory violations and propose further monitoring measures for private aircraft operations in Nigeria.
The task force is chaired by Capt. Ado Sanusi, with Capt. Roland Iyayi as vice chairman, and includes representatives from the aviation and national security sectors.
Capt. Sanusi, the task force chairman, expressed gratitude to the minister for the opportunity and pledged to address the identified issues thoroughly.
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