Panel to Investigate Unauthorized Private Jet Charter on Thursday
The ministerial task force has announced that it will begin investigating alleged illegal private commercial activities related to charters starting this Thursday. This initiative aims to address concerns surrounding these operations and ensure compliance with regulations.
In a conversation with DANDALI, Roland Iyayi, the Vice Chairman of the task force, revealed that the investigation will kick off with a series of interviews. He mentioned that these interviews are scheduled to take place over the course of the following week, allowing the task force to gather information on the actions of the involved parties.
Iyayi noted that while formal invitations to the interviews have not yet been dispatched, the task force has already pinpointed specific entities suspected of engaging in illegal activities. This proactive approach aims to streamline the investigation process and gather pertinent information efficiently.
The task force’s formation was initiated by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who emphasized the need to address the rising complaints about money laundering and illegal drug smuggling linked to legitimate commercial air charter operators. This concern has been further fueled by alarming security reports from various agencies in the country.
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The task force has been tasked with taking inventory of all private non-commercial flight holders and air operator certificate holders. This comprehensive review is intended to shed light on the current state of private jet charters in Nigeria and the reasons behind the persistence of illegal operations despite existing regulatory frameworks.
Moreover, the task force has been given a three-month deadline to complete its report and submit findings to the ministry. This timeline underscores the urgency of addressing these issues and determining the factors contributing to the ongoing practice of illegal charters by holders of the Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) certificates.
