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FG records huge revenue loss to illegal PNCF operators annually

 


LAGOS - The Ministerial Task Force on Illegal Private Charter Operations and Related Matters in its preliminary findings disclosed that Nigeria records huge losses in revenue to illegal permit for non commercial flights, PNCF, operators on a yearly basis. 


The Chairman of the Task Force, Capt. Ado Sanusi disclosed this on Friday, while speaking with aviation journalists in Lagos.


Sanusi also said that the taskforce established the fact that indeed, some high net worth individuals in Nigeria use private jets for commercial services, an illegal conduct that has persisted for more than 20 years.


According to Sanusi, there are indications that some Flight Plans are filed without getting to their destinations and that there are Air Operators Certificate (AOC) holders who collaborate with illegal PNCF operators to perpetuate the act.


Sanusi had said that the case of illegal PNCF operations is not peculiar to Nigeria, the intention was to bring it down to the lowest level.


"I do not think any country can completely tackle illegal charters but we need to bring it to as low as we can," Sanusi said.


Spokesman and Vice Chairman of the Task Force, Mr Roland lyayi said that the Task Force spent the first two weeks gathering data and that the coming weeks would feature a review and analysis of the data gathered.


“In 2005, there were 44 private business jets in Nigeria. In 2024, it has increased to 157,” he said, adding that there are 62 PNCF operators in the registry of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). 


He said the Task Force had uncovered the prevalence of illegal charter operations and established that there are elements of conflict in the regulatory regime for PNCF operators as there are foreign registered aircraft that do not come under the purview of NCAA registration. 


He said that from the data gathered on operations in two years, aircraft used for PNCF are recording 46 flight hours in one month.


“We want to establish what are the issues, why the issues persist and to come up with recommendations on how to tackle the issues,” he said.


Iyayi further stated that the taskforce intended to engage the public in its information gathering process to extract information. 


He said that they expect voluntary input from the personnel used for such illegal activities and would not make any conclusion until they have heard from both the industry regulators and operators.


The taskforce is calling on those with vital information that would help the investigation to forward their information to MTF@aviation.gov.ng or call 09082222259.


Iyayi said: "We will conduct whistle blowers’ interviews structured in such a way that identities of those providing information are protected.


Other members of the Task Force are Director of Air Transport, FMA&AD – Secretary, Theresa A. Babaoye (DATR-NCAA), One Nominee from the National Security Adviser, Capt. Daniel, Capt. Patrick Ogunlowo and Obafemi Bajomo (SA-HMA).


Recall that the taskforce was inaugurated on June 27, 2024 by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN saddled with the responsibility to take inventory of all PNCF holders and AOC holders, to determine why the practice of illegal charters by PNCF holders persists in the country despite regulatory controls among others .


By Editor 2



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