https://thestreetjournal.org/fg-to-close-down-vip-section-of-abuja-airport-which-has-been-turned-to-hub-for-money-laundering-human-trafficking-others/

The Federal Government has revealed plans to close down the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, due to reports that the Very Important Personality (VIP) section of the airport has become a center for money laundering, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other criminal activities.

This was by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the presentation of a report by a seven-member ministerial task force on illegal private charter operations and related issues, in Abuja, on Wednesday, March 5.

Keyamo, stated that the problem of illegal charter activities by private jet and aircraft owners who obtain licenses under the Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) but use the aircraft for illicit dealings has become widespread in the aviation industry.

He said, “When I resumed office, they said I should let it go because, principally, it was difficult to regulate holders of the Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) in the country, as those involved are the untouchables in society.

“But my background, both from civil society and before I became minister, was as a prosecutor with the EFCC for years.

“My duty is to touch the untouchable. That is my duty. I was trained to touch the untouchable.”

The minister, recognizing the issue as a national security concern, explained that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)’s failure to regulate PNCF holders had resulted in illegal charter services.

He stated that since these services were untraceable, they had enabled money laundering, drug and human trafficking, as well as unauthorized entry and exit from the country.

Keyamo also praised the committee for its work in compiling the report and offering recommendations to address the problem.

He then assured that the ministry would thoroughly review the report and its suggestions, emphasizing that the matter would not be ignored.

Adding that, “If we have to shut down GAT, we will do so, in order to bring some sanity to aircraft charter services in the country.”

Captain Ado Sanusi, Chairman of the Ministerial Task Force, highlighted key challenges related to illegal charter operations in the country while presenting the report.

These included regulatory shortcomings, gaps in the permit for non-commercial flights system, insufficient oversight, security risks, and a substantial loss of revenue to the Federal Government, totaling over N120 billion over the past decade.

Captain Sanusi stated that the task force’s findings revealed that illegal activities not only jeopardized aviation safety but also created an unfair environment for legitimate operators.

He pointed out that, as noted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), 90% of criminal activities, including money laundering, fugitive transfers, and drug trafficking, take place at the GAT at Abuja airport.

The task force recommended the immediate shutdown, reorganization, and reopening of the GAT, as suggested in the ICAO security audit.

Captain Sanusi emphasized that implementing these measures would help reduce illegal activities and promote a more structured and efficient aviation sector that generates revenue.

In response, the minister said he would submit the report to the Presidency to explore ways to implement the recommendations.

He also instructed the NCAA to publish a list of legitimate PNCF holders in newspapers and at airports to counter illegal operators.

Additionally, he mentioned that the government is investigating a commercial foreign airline accused by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of aiding drug traffickers in the country.

He pointed out that if commercial airlines could be involved in such criminal activities, private jet owners were even more likely to be.

The GAT is the section of the airport reserved for private jet owners and other chartered aircraft services.