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By Chinelo Obogo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said that the federal government may consider the recommendations of the task force set up to investigate illegal charter operations, which includes the shutdown of private hangars at airports across the country over illegal charter operations.
Speaking at the fourth edition of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Keyamo described the issue of illicit charter operations as a “hydra-headed monster,” which has, over the past decade, cost the federal government an estimated N120 billion in lost revenue.
He revealed that 80% of private jet owners in Nigeria exploit regulatory loopholes by obtaining Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) licenses, which are intended for personal use but instead engage in commercial operations. This practice, he said, allows them to evade the higher fees and stricter regulations associated with commercial charter licenses.
Keyamo emphasized that the PNCF license is designed for private activities, such as transporting family members or attending social or business events, and attracts significantly lower fees. However, private jet owners usually misuse these licenses to conduct commercial flights without remitting the necessary taxes and fees to the government. For instance, while a commercial charter operator might charge $10,000 for a flight from Lagos to Calabar and pay the required fees, private jet owners with PNCF licenses conduct similar operations without contributing to government revenue.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria has lost approximately N120 billion over the past 10 years due to unremitted fees and taxes from these illegal charter operations. “They obtain the PNCF license for private use, but every day, they engage in commercial activities. This is how the federal government has been losing revenue,” Keyamo stated.
To address these challenges, Keyamo established a task force last year, headed by Captain Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, to investigate illegal charter operations. The task force recently submitted its report, which included “mind-boggling” findings and recommendations. Among the key proposals is the complete shutdown of private hangars at airports for a total reconfiguration to enhance security and operational standards.
“The task force has recommended shutting down the private charter wing for a comprehensive overhaul, particularly in terms of security and the equipment used for screening baggage. We are currently exploring how to implement these recommendations without causing significant disruptions to passenger movement,” Keyamo explained.
In addition to the financial losses, Keyamo raised concerns about the security risks posed by unregulated private jet operations. He noted that many private jets operate without proper documentation or passenger manifests, making it difficult to track who or what is on board. This lack of oversight, he warned, could facilitate illegal activities such as smuggling, money laundering, and even terrorism. “Sometimes, when there’s a near accident involving a private jet, we struggle to determine who was on board. The sector is totally unregulated,” he said.
