The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has sought the intervention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tackle growing cases of fraud and economic crimes plaguing the aviation sector.

Naijaonpoint reports that the appeal came during a courtesy visit on Tuesday by the NCAA Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, and his management team to the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement posted on the EFCC’s official X handle, Najomo expressed deep concerns about fraudulent practices that are undermining safety oversight and operational transparency in the aviation industry.

High-Value Transactions Under Threat

The NCAA chief identified several areas vulnerable to abuse, including aircraft purchases, leasing arrangements, foreign maintenance contracts, and procurement of safety infrastructure.

“Non-remittance weakens the NCAA’s ability to fund safety oversight and operational efficiency, and may require EFCC’s intervention to investigate cases where deliberate withholding, diversion, or misappropriation of these funds is suspected,” Najomo stated.

Najomo further alleged that some aviation operators deliberately under-report revenues, manipulate ticketing systems, or divert funds, thereby crippling the NCAA’s regulatory capacity.

He also flagged illegal charter operations disguised as private flights, which involve unregulated financial flows, stressing the need for EFCC’s financial intelligence to expose such practices.

Proposed Joint Initiatives

As part of the solution, the NCAA Director General proposed joint initiatives, including training NCAA staff to spot financial red flags, organising sensitisation workshops, and sharing intelligence to strengthen oversight.

Responding to the appeal, Olukoyede welcomed the partnership and disclosed that senior EFCC officers would work with the NCAA to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding on joint investigations, intelligence exchange, and compliance monitoring.

“With the kind of work you do, when people see us beside you, they will take you seriously. Aviation is an area where we have seen money laundering, particularly through chartered services. That is why we have been reaching out to you, and we will continue until we achieve the desired results,” the EFCC chairman said.

Naijaonpoint reports that the proposed collaboration is expected to strengthen the fight against financial crimes in Nigeria’s aviation sector while enhancing regulatory oversight and operational transparency.