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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a warning to Nigerian billionaires and private jet owners, cautioning against the unauthorized commercial use of their aircraft. The regulatory body emphasized that violators would face severe penalties.
In a statement published on the regulator’s official X account, the NCAA clarified that the Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF), granted to private jet owners, strictly prohibits the use of their aircraft for commercial purposes, including the transportation of passengers, cargo, or mail for compensation or hire.
“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) wishes to warn holders of Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) (private jet owners) to desist from engaging in commercial flight operations forthwith or face stiff penalties,” the statement reads.
Regulatory body issues stern caution on commercial operations
The NCAA has underscored the gravity of conducting commercial activities or charter services by private jet owners. According to Section 32 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, violators face severe consequences, including permit suspension, withdrawal, or revocation.
“In line with Section 32 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations with suspension, withdrawal, or revocation of their Permit for Non-Commercial flight,” the NCAA added.
To ensure compliance, the NCAA will deploy officials to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private airport wings to monitor PNCF holders’ activities closely.
Aliko Dangote’s strategic move
The recent move by the NCAA follows Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote’s listing of his Bombardier Global Express XRS jet for sale. Dangote’s decision is part of a strategic move aimed at streamlining his extensive portfolio of luxury assets, which includes a multimillion-dollar luxury yacht.
Dangote had initially acquired the ultra-long-range jet for $45.5 million thirteen years ago. The aircraft, repainted in July 2014, features an overall Matterhorn white, dark blue, and Peking red accent stripes on the fuselage, winglets, and tail.
Other Nigerian private jet owners include Nigeria’s wealthiest cleric, Bishop David Oyedepo, and the country’s richest woman, Folorunsho Alakija, vice chairman of Famfa Oil and owner of one of Nigeria’s most productive oil blocks. Nigerian energy and telecom billionaire Mike Adenuga also owns a Bombardier Global Express XRS and a Bombardier Challenger 604.
