Ribadu Warns of Money Laundering, Drug Trafficking via Illegal Charter Operators

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Bola Tinubu has sounded the alarm regarding money laundering, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities at the nation’s airports facilitated by private jet operators in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
In response, Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has established an eight-member task force to address the unlawful operations of Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF). Capt. Ado Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aero Contractors, was appointed as its chairman.
Keyamo has given the committee a period of three months to deliver its findings and present crucial recommendations to the government on how to eradicate this threat in the country.
During the inauguration of the committee in Abuja on Thursday, Keyamo mentioned that Ribadu had recently sent a letter to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development expressing concern about the surge in money laundering and drug trafficking among these illicit operators.

Keyamo expressed his concern that the illegal charter operators seemed to be growing bolder by continuing their unlawful activities with the assistance of Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders who are involved in these activities.
He stated, “I have received troubling reports indicating that the practice of illegal charter operations is thriving within the aviation industry, undermining the efforts of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other regulatory bodies.
“These illicit activities have not only led to substantial financial losses for the Federal Government but have also raised security and safety concerns. The operations of private aircraft owners have remained largely unmonitored and unregulated, leading to their misuse for other illegal activities.
“It is evident that Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) operators have grown increasingly audacious, continuing their illegal operations with the support of Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders who collect fees and include these illegal charters under their AOCs.”

Furthermore, Keyamo revealed that the ministry had received alarming reports indicating that some crew members had not undergone mandatory simulator training for nearly three years and were flying with fraudulently renewed licenses.

He alleged that many of these individuals were operating planes registered under PNCF but were conducting illegal charter operations without repercussions.
To address these challenges and fraudulent practices, Keyamo has established a Ministerial Task Force on ‘Illegal Private Charter Operations and Related Matters.’
Capt. Ado Sanusi was appointed as the Chairman of the committee, with Capt. Roland lyayi serving as the Vice Chairman.
Other members of the committee include the Director of Air Transport, Federal Ministry of Aviation (Secretary), Theresa Babaoye; Directorate of Air Transport Regulation (DATR), NCAA – member, a nominee from the National Security Adviser; Capt. Daniel Quansah – Member, Capt. Patrick Ogunlowo; Member, and Obafemi Bajomo; Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

The task force is tasked with conducting an inventory of all PNCF holders and AOC holders, investigating why the practice of illegal charters by PNCF holders persists despite regulatory controls, verifying the authenticity and validity of all professional licenses of pilots and crew in the country, recommending additional measures to regulatory agencies to curb this issue, suggesting appropriate sanctions for offenders, and proposing additional measures to enhance monitoring of private aircraft operations in Nigeria.
The task force has been given a three-month deadline to submit its report and recommendations to the minister.
Keyamo emphasized: “This task force is not only a reaction to the current challenges but also a proactive measure to ensure the long-term sustainability and integrity of our aviation sector.
“Together, we will strive to restore confidence in our aviation industry, eliminate illegal operations, and ensure that every flight in our skies adheres to the highest standards of safety and legality.”