Stop Using Private Jets For Money Laundering, Others – Keyamo Warns

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has raised an alarm over illegal chartered private jet operations, alleging that many of them are being used for money laundering and drug trafficking in the country.

He spoke in Abuja on Thursday while inaugurating a ministerial task force to address illegal chartered private jet operations.

According to him; “There were security and safety concerns raised by these illegal operations, including their role in money laundering and drug trafficking”.

Keyamo said the Ministry would no longer condone a situation where some private jet operators run commercial services without proper licenses, resulting in significant revenue losses for the Federal Government.

“I am compelled to take decisive action today in alignment with our five-point agenda. When I assumed office, I outlined a five-point agenda focusing on safety, infrastructure, support for local operators, human capacity development, and revenue generation, and have identified key issues in the aviation industry that need immediate attention”, he said

The Minister listed the Task Force members to include individuals from various sectors, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

The Task Force is mandated to take inventory of all PNC (Private Non-Commercial) and ANC (Airline Non-Commercial) holders nationwide; investigate why illegal charter operations by PNC holders persist despite regulations; and review the authenticity and validity of professional licenses for pilots and crew members.

It is also within its purview to recommend additional regulatory measures and sanctions for non-compliant operators and monitor private aircraft activities more effectively.

Speaking on behalf of the Task Force, its Chairman, Captain Ado Sanusi, said, “We will do everything within our power to address these challenges and bring them to resolution.”

For him, the members will work hard towards sanitizing the sector to ensure government does not continue to lose revenue