The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced plans to implement stricter regulatory measures and to crack down on private jet operators engaged in illegal charter services in the aviation sector.

Speaking at a ministerial press briefing today in Abuja, Keyamo disclosed that Nigeria had lost over ₦120 billion in revenue in the past decade due to these unauthorized operations.

The minister explained that many private aircraft owners secure Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) licenses—which attract lower fees—under false pretenses but then operate their jets for commercial charter services. He also raised concerns about the security risks posed by these unregulated flights, stating that a task force assigned to investigate and regulate the sector submitted its report last week, with active plans already in motion.

In another policy move to strengthen the country’s aviation sector, Keyamo disclosed that the government is preparing to present the Fly Nigeria Act to the National Assembly. The proposed law will mandate that all government-funded travel prioritize Nigerian airlines for international flights before considering foreign carriers.

Keyamo also outlined recent achievements in the aviation sector, including the revitalization of Hajj terminals, the establishment of Africa’s first Aviation and Aerospace University, and the upgrade of Maiduguri Airport to full international status.

He further revealed that discussions held in Dublin earlier this year have positioned Nigerian airlines for significant international deals.