A task team investigating illegal charter operations in Nigeria has recommended shutting down and reorganising the general aviation terminal in Abuja due to 90pc of airport criminal activities occurring there.
The Committee on Illegal Chartered Operations, established in July 2024, presented its findings to Minister Festus Keyamo on March 4, revealing lost revenue exceeding NGN120bn naira due to illegal activities over the past decade.
The report’s chairman, Ado Sunusi, noted that high-net-worth Nigerians often use private jets for unauthorised charter operations, undermining legitimate aviation businesses and endangering safety.
Recommendations included enhancing regulatory oversight, improving security measures, and ensuring that private charter operations adhere to international standards, following guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Minister Keyamo indicated ongoing investigations into a foreign airline involved in supporting drug traffickers, stressing the need for stricter regulations to prevent unregulated operations and maintain aviation safety in Nigeria.
