The Federal Government has reportedly grounded at least 60 private jets over alleged non-compliance with aviation regulatory requirements, sparking a wave of lobbying by Very Important Persons (VIPs) and private jet owners seeking intervention from the Presidency.
The clampdown, which was carried out by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), follows a directive from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development aimed at enforcing strict compliance with operational licenses, tax documentation, and other safety regulations.
According to top aviation sources, many of the affected jets had either expired Air Operator Certificates (AOCs), lacked proper insurance documentation, or had defaulted on statutory fees owed to government agencies.
As the action sent ripples through Nigeria’s elite, sources in the Presidency confirmed that a number of influential individuals—including politicians, business moguls, and traditional rulers, have begun lobbying key government officials for leniency and swift clearance of their aircraft.
The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), in an earlier statement, emphasized that the move was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to sanitize the aviation industry and enhance air safety.
“No one is above the law. This exercise is to ensure that all private aircraft operating within Nigerian airspace adhere strictly to the regulations. We must uphold global standards,” Keyamo stated.
Industry observers say the grounding could impact elite mobility, especially as high-profile events and the Hajj season approach. However, the NCAA insists that the enforcement will continue until all operators meet the prescribed requirements.
The Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are also said to be involved in the investigation to ensure all aircraft have met import duty and tax obligations.
As the controversy unfolds, aviation analysts are calling for greater transparency and consistent application of the rules to avoid perceptions of selective enforcement.
