The Federal Government has issued a stern warning that it may shut down the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following allegations of money laundering, drug trafficking and human trafficking facilitated through the terminal’s VIP section.
The GAT, primarily used by private jet owners and charter services, has come under scrutiny amid concerns over regulatory lapses and illegal activities.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the government’s position while receiving the report of a seven-member ministerial task force investigating illegal private charter operations.
The task force, chaired by Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, was constituted to probe allegations of abuse of the Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) system by private jet owners who allegedly exploit these permits for unauthorized commercial activities.
According to the report, such illegal operations have cost the government an estimated NGN120 billion in lost revenue over the past decade.
Addressing stakeholders in Abuja, Keyamo condemned the lack of stringent oversight, which he said has emboldened criminal elements to exploit the system.
He said an urgent comprehensive reform is needed to restore credibility to Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“When I resumed office, some advised me to let it go, arguing that regulating PNCF holders is difficult because they are often considered ‘untouchables.’ But my background, both in civil society and as an EFCC prosecutor, has trained me to touch the untouchable. That is my duty,” Keyamo stated.
He further assured that the task force’s findings would not be dismissed or ignored and vowed to act decisively to end the abuse of private jet permits.
The task force’s report also revealed that the misuse of the PNCF system has not only resulted in massive revenue losses but has also posed significant security risks.
To address these challenges, the report recommended a thorough reorganization of the GAT by aligning it with international best practices and the findings of an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) security audit.
The proposed measures include enhanced security protocols, stricter monitoring of private jet operations and a comprehensive review of the PNCF licensing process.
Aviation experts have expressed support for the government’s stance and described the proposed shutdown as a necessary step to safeguard national security and restore public confidence in the aviation sector.
They argue that unless urgent reforms are implemented, the continued misuse of private jet permits will further compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s airspace.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the aviation industry have urged the government to strike a balance between enhancing regulatory oversight and ensuring that legitimate private jet operators are not unfairly penalized. They said a robust regulatory framework is essential to curb illegal activities without stifling private aviation businesses.
