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The federal government may shut down the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) at Abuja airport due to reports of money laundering and other criminal activities.
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The GAT is reportedly being used for illegal charter operations, posing risks to aviation safety and national security.
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The government is taking steps to regulate private jet owners and curb illegal activities.
The federal government may be considering shutting down the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following reports that the VIP section of the airport has become a hub for money laundering and other criminal activities.
According to The Guardian, the GAT is the wing dedicated to private jet owners and other aircraft charter services at the airport.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, while receiving the report of the seven-member ministerial task force on illegal private charter operations and related matters, said the issue of illegal charter operations by private jets and aircraft owners has become endemic in the aviation sector.
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Keyamo stated, “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 more than [years]. My duty is to touch the untouchable. That is my duty. I was trained to touch the untouchable.”
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Keyamo identified the problem as a national security issue, saying the inability of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to regulate the operations of PNCF holders has led to illegal charter services.
He assured that the ministry would critically examine the report and its recommendations, stressing that it would not be swept under the carpet. Keyamo said, “If we have to shut down GAT, we will do so in order to bring some sanity to aircraft charter services in the country.”
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