The Nigerian government has taken decisive action against ten private jet operators for violating aviation regulations. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced the suspension of their licenses due to illegal commercial operations and failure to complete mandatory recertification processes.
Key Takeaways
- The NCAA suspended the licenses of ten private jet operators.
- Violations included illegal commercial operations and failure to complete recertification.
- The affected operators include Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, and others.
- NCAA officials have been deployed to monitor activities at General Aviation Terminals and private wings of airports.
Background
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the licenses of ten private jet operators for violating aviation regulations. The announcement was made by Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, in a statement posted on the agency’s official social media page. The suspension is in line with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4, which forbids holders of Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) from using their aircraft for commercial purposes.
List of Affected Operators
The following operators have had their permits suspended:
- Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd
- Bli-Aviation Safety Services
- Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd
- Matrix Energy Ltd
- Marrietta Management Services Ltd
- Worldwide Skypaths Services
- Mattini Airline Services Ltd
- Aero Lead Ltd
- Sky Bird Air Ltd
- Ezuma Jets Ltd
Reasons for Suspension
The NCAA cited flagrant disregard for regulations as the primary reason for the suspensions. The agency had earlier directed all PNCF holders to undergo a re-evaluation process, which was to be completed by April 19, 2024. Many operators failed to comply with this directive, leading to the current enforcement actions.
Regulatory Actions
Michael Achimugu emphasized that engaging PNCF holders for commercial purposes is illegal. He stated, “The NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations.” To ensure compliance, NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of airports to monitor activities.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time the NCAA has taken such actions. In April, the agency suspended three private jet owners for similar violations. The use of private jets for commercial purposes had prompted the aviation minister, Festus Keyamo, to issue directives for the cessation of such acts.
Government Initiatives
In a bid to further sanitize the general aviation sector, the NCAA acting Director, Chris Najomo, has directed a reevaluation of all PNCF holders to ascertain compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, last month, the aviation minister inaugurated an eight-member ministerial task force committee to address illegal private chartered operations and related matters, including money laundering and drug trafficking.
Conclusion
The Nigerian government’s recent actions underscore its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its aviation sector. By suspending the licenses of non-compliant private jet operators, the NCAA aims to ensure that all aviation activities adhere to established regulations, thereby enhancing safety and security.
Sources
- Nigerian govt suspends ten private jet operators, Premium Times Nigeria.
- NCAA suspends permits of 10 private jet operators for illegal operations, Linda Ikeji’s Blog.
- JUST IN: NCAA suspends licences of 10 private jet operators, Punch Newspapers.
- FULL LIST: FG grounds 10 private jets’ operations – Daily Trust, Daily Trust.
- JUST-IN: Federal Gov’t Suspends 10 Private Jet Operators, Leadership News.