The Federal Government has lost an estimated N120bn in revenue over the past decade due to illegal private jet charters, according to a report from the Ministerial Task Force on Illegal Private Charter Operations.
The report, commissioned by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed that regulatory loopholes, weak enforcement by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and outdated policies have allowed illegal operators to thrive, costing the government a significant amount in lost statutory revenue.
The task force identified key players in the illegal charter business, including Arik Air Ltd, BUA International Ltd, and Rivers State Government, among others. It highlighted serious security breaches and the lack of interagency cooperation as additional challenges stifling the sector’s growth.
“The report emphasized the need for enhanced regulatory oversight to restore order in the aviation sector,” Keyamo said. “To this end, we will work on measures like restructuring the General Aviation Terminal in Abuja and repealing the controversial 22-year aircraft age ban.”
Aviation experts, however, have expressed skepticism about the task force’s ability to curb illegal operations without stricter enforcement. John Ojikutu, CEO of Centurion Security Ltd, criticized the NCAA for failing to enforce existing laws.
“Most of these illegal flights are protected by political figures, making enforcement nearly impossible,” Ojikutu said.
The task force’s proposed solutions include closing regulatory gaps, tightening financial oversight, and introducing a licensing framework for air charter brokers to ensure greater transparency in the sector.
However, some aviation analysts, like Olumide Ohunayo, believe collaboration between agencies such as NAMA, NCAA, and airport authorities will be essential to combat illegal operations effectively.
Despite these efforts, experts are doubtful about the task force’s success unless substantial enforcement measures are implemented. The continuing challenges suggest that Nigeria’s aviation sector remains vulnerable to significant revenue losses unless drastic reforms take effect.