The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that the long-awaited report by the Ministerial Taskforce on Illegal Air Charter Operations and Related Matters will be finalized and released soon.

It will be recalled that the task force was set up following complaints from legitimate commercial air charter operators and alarming security reports linking illegal air charter operations to activities such as money laundering and drug smuggling.

Meanwhile, preliminary findings revealed that private foreign-registered aircraft were being used for unauthorized charter operations, with high-net-worth individuals and some operators allegedly violating regulations for Private Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF).

Speaking in Abuja, Keyamo revealed that the task force, established on June 27, 2024, had uncovered significant irregularities in the system during its investigation.

?The committee sought extensions twice due to the enormity of the work. They?ve done extensive investigations and are about to submit their report.

?In their work, they discovered a lot, but I won?t divulge details just yet. They even grounded several private operators caught violating the law,? Keyamo stated.

Keyamo emphasized that the taskforce?s final report will be made public, highlighting the government?s commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance in the aviation sector.

The taskforce, chaired by Capt. Ado Sanusi with Capt. Roland Iyayi as Vice Chairman, was initially given three months to complete its assignment. However, the complex nature of the investigation required additional time.

Other members of the committee include Theresa Babaoye, Director of Air Transport at the Federal Ministry of Aviation (Secretary), representatives from the National Security Adviser?s office, and aviation experts such as Capt. Daniel Quansah and Capt. Patrick Ogunlowo.

National Carrier and Airport Upgrades

Addressing the suspended national carrier project, Keyamo reiterated his support but insisted it must prioritize Nigerian interests.

?I believe in a national carrier project that benefits Nigeria and Nigerians, not one that primarily serves foreign interests,? he said.

Keyamo also disclosed that the Maiduguri International Airport will soon be ready for international operations.

He commended the Borno State Government for extending the terminal building and assured that the Ministry would inspect the facilities in the coming weeks to ensure readiness for operations. (Vanguard)

Update news