How Corrupt Nigerian Aviation Officials Collect Bribes To Circumvent Regulations, Bring In 24-Year-Old Aircraft With Dubious Paperwork, Endanger Passengers’ Safety

Some officials of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) discreetly allow private jets to illegally engage in commercial charter service against the status of their licence and contrary to industry regulations, SaharaReporters has gathered.

The Nigerian government had in March 2024 issued a stern warning to holders of the permit for non-commercial flights (PNCF) against engaging in the carriage of passenger, cargo or mail for hire and reward.

While some of private jets were bought for private use, the NCAA had said that some of them had veered off their scope of operations and were engaging in hire serves for reward.

Such practice runs contrary to the regulations of the agency.

Jets involved in charter services by the NCAA regulation ought to remit five per cent of the revenue it earns as ticket sales charge to the authority.

In July, the regulatory agency also suspended the permits for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) licences of 10 private jet operators for “failing to comply with an earlier recertification directive aimed at curbing the misuse of private jets for commercial operations”.

Despite the warning and suspension of permits, top sources in the NCAA revealed to SaharaReporters that several private jets were being flown for charters after paying bribes to some top NCAA staff.

Some of the aircraft deployed for charter services in direct contravention of regulations include an Embraer Legacy 650 jet (5N-SJI). 

The aircraft is said to be owned by former Delta Governor, James Ibori.

Four Embraer Legacy 600 with registration numbers 5N-JLA, 5N-ONC, 5N-LRK, 5N-FZE were also mentioned. 

“Despite the directive issued by the Honourable Minister of Aviation (Festus Keyamo) explicitly prohibiting private-registered jets from being used for charter purposes, such activities remain rampant. 

:It is increasingly evident that several private jets are continuously flown for charters, often facilitated by unscrupulous activities within the NCAA," one of the sources explained. 

Another source corroborated, “The following aircraft, registered as private, are frequently deployed for charter services in direct contravention of regulations:

“5N-SJI (linked to James Ibori)

5N-JLA

5N-ONC

5N-SPL

5N-EGL

5N-LRK

5N-CDM

5N-ELE

5N-ARA

5N-BMT

5N-FZE

5N-AMK

“These operations highlight systemic failures in enforcement and oversight. The widespread misuse of private jets for commercial charters undermines the integrity of the industry and creates an uneven playing field for legitimate operators." 

The source added, “Some NCAA officers are actively engaged in criminal activities, including but not limited to: suing certificates for cash bribes. Providing fake clearances for aircraft operations in exchange for financial gains.

"Colluding with operators to bypass regulations, thereby jeopardising passenger safety and the credibility of the aviation sector.” 

It was also learnt that NCAA's policy restricting the maximum age of aircraft to 22 years was being flagrantly ignored.

“For instance, two aircraft, Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy jets with the same serial number (145516), have been fraudulently introduced into Nigeria with altered details under registrations 5N-JLA and 5N-ONC. These aircraft are over 23 years old, contravening the policy.

“5N-CDM, which is 24 years old, has also been introduced into the Nigerian market with dubious paperwork. Such irregularities not only breach regulatory standards but also compromise operational safety.

“It is also critical to note that two Air Operator’s Certificate (AOIC) holders, Mounthill Aviation and Skybird, are at the forefront of these illicit activities. They have been implicated in facilitating fraudulent charter operations and circumventing regulatory oversight, all with the apparent knowledge of NCAA personnel.”

The sources called on the Nigerian government and relevant stakeholders to investigate the officials involved. 

He said, “Call for Immediate Action; I urge you to take swift and decisive action to address these issues, including:

“Conducting a comprehensive audit of private jet operations to identify unauthorized charter activities.

Investigating and prosecuting NCAA officials involved in malpractices.

“Ensuring strict compliance with aircraft age policies and nullifying the registrations of aircraft introduced with fraudulent documents.

“Revoking the AOICs of operators found guilty of collusion and regulatory breaches. The integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector depends on the NCAA’s commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favor. Failure to act decisively risks further eroding public trust and compromising the safety and security of the industry.”
 

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