The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has noted with concern a misleading report published by Punch Newspaper on 5th March 2025, titled “FG Loses N120bn to Illegal Private Jet Charters”, authored by its correspondent, Princess Etuk.
The report falsely claims to have cited findings from the Report of the Ministerial Taskforce on Illegal Charter Operations and Related Matters, insinuating that some major aviation stakeholders, including Arik Air Limited, BUA International Limited, Executive Jets Services, Max Air Limited, and others, were listed as engaging in illegal charter operations.
According to the rejoinder by the Ministry’s Head of Press and Public Affairs, the ministry of Aviation has categorically stated that:
- The Taskforce report was only submitted to the Honourable Minister on the evening of 4th March 2025 and has yet to be fully reviewed.
- Members of the Taskforce have confirmed that no such names, as mentioned by Punch Newspaper, appeared in the report in any illegal deal.
- Among the report’s recommendation is strengthening regulatory oversight, enhancing security measures, improving compliance with aviation laws, and ensuring transparent operations within the sector.
Given the inaccuracies in the publication, the Ministry demands an immediate retraction of the story by Punch Newspaper and urges the media houses to verify facts from credible sources before publication.
The Ministry also called on the public and the entities mentioned to disregard the misinformation, as it is capable of causing unnecessary panic and eroding public trust. Adding that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development remains committed to upholding safety, transparency, and efficiency in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
