FG inaugurates task force to combat illegal private charter operations in aviation sector

In a bid to address the rampant illegal operations by private aircraft owners, leading to significant revenue losses for the Federal Government and posing severe risks to the safety and security of Nigerians, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, has inaugurated the Ministerial Task Force on Illegal Private Charter Operations and Related Matters. An initiative that aligns with the minister’s strategic agenda to reform Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The task force comprises members drawn from the public and private sectors of the industry.

This was made known in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Digital Communications, Saka Olugbenga, who noted that the task force’s diverse composition aims to balance regulatory enforcement with industry insights, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the task force.

The task force, chaired by Captain Ado Sanusi (Managing Director, Aero Contractors), seeks to: enhance operational safety; restore financial integrity within the aviation sector; foster a fair competitive environment for legitimate operators; secure better compliance with aviation laws and regulations; and ultimately, build a more robust and trustworthy aviation industry for Nigeria.

The launch of this task force further emphasises the Minister’s commitment to addressing critical issues within Nigeria’s aviation sector and ensuring compliant operations to enhance safety, revenue, and adherence. The initiative aims to set a new standard for Nigeria’s aviation industry, by tackling these illegal operations head-on.

The committee is expected to come up with solutions in 3 months.