The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made a significant revelation on Thursday during the inauguration of the Ministerial Taskforce Committee aimed at combating illegal chartered operations in Nigeria.
Keyamo disclosed that some privately owned aircraft in Nigeria are being used for illicit activities such as money laundering and drug trafficking. He emphasized that these illegal operations have caused the aviation sector to lose billions of dollars and have raised serious security concerns.
Keyamo highlighted that some of the individuals involved in these illegal activities are those who acquired licenses for non-commercial flight operations but have violated the terms of their licenses.
Taskforce Mandate
Addressing the committee members, Keyamo instructed them to:
- – Take inventory of all non-commercial flight operators.
- – Investigate all professional licenses and verify their authenticity.
- – Recommend disciplinary measures against airlines found to be involved in illegal activities.
Committee Leadership and Reporting
The eight-member committee is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Ado Sanusi. The committee is expected to report its findings to the minister within the next three months.
Why It Matters
The illegal use of privately owned aircraft for money laundering and drug trafficking poses significant risks to national security and the integrity of the aviation sector. Addressing these issues is crucial for restoring trust and ensuring that the aviation industry operates within legal and ethical boundaries.
Bottom Line
The establishment of the Ministerial Taskforce Committee marks a critical step towards addressing and curbing illegal activities within Nigeria’s aviation sector. The committee’s findings and recommendations will be pivotal in safeguarding the industry and enhancing national security.
