Business
Nigeria Lost N120bn To Illegal Charter Operations – Report
A recently released report by the Ministerial Task Force on Illegal Private Charter Operations in the aviation sector has exposed a staggering N120 billion revenue loss for the Nigerian government over the past decade.
The losses, the report revealed, stem from a combination of illegal charter operations, regulatory gaps, and lax enforcement by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The report of the Ministerial taskforce, commissioned by Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, and reviewed, has painted a picture of widespread security vulnerabilities, interagency coordination failures, and outdated policies crippling the aviation sector.
“Over the past decade, Nigeria lost an estimated N120 billion in statutory revenue from the sector due to regulatory loopholes”, the report stated.
It named prominent organisations such as Arik Air Ltd, BUA International Limited, Dominion Air Limited, Executive Jets Services, Max Air Ltd, the Rivers State Government, Julius Berger Nig. Ltd., and Nestoil Plc as involved in charter operations.
To address the crisis, the taskforce recommends a series of corrective measures, including the immediate closure and overhaul of the General Aviation Terminal in Abuja to rectify critical security deficiencies.
The controversial 22-year aircraft age limit, widely seen as hindering industry growth, is also slated for repeal.
The report further calls for a significant strengthening of the NCAA’s oversight capabilities to ensure strict compliance with aviation regulations.
A new licensing framework for air charter brokers is also proposed to increase transparency and accountability within the sector.
“By implementing these measures, Nigeria can restore regulatory integrity, enhance safety, and position its aviation sector for long-term sustainability and global competitiveness”, the report concluded.
The taskforce’s findings and proposed solutions have drawn sharp criticism from aviation stakeholders, who question the government’s ability to enforce meaningful change.
Corlins Walter