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Some private jets used for money laundering, drug trafficking – Keyamo
Some private jets used for money laundering, drug trafficking – Keyamo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has accused some private jet owners of using their aircraft for money laundering and drug trafficking.
Keyamo said this on Thursday during the inauguration of a ministerial task force committee on illegal private chartered operations and related matters in Abuja.
The minister said he had set a five-point agenda that would guide him and his team in discharging the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he assumed office.
He said the five-point agenda encapsulates safety, infrastructure, support for local operators, human capacity development and revenue generation.
Accordingly, he said the ministry has identified issues within the aviation industry “that we must tackle headlong”.
“It has come to my attention, through a series of disturbing reports, that the practice of illegal charter operations is thriving within the aviation industry, thereby undermining the efforts of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other regulatory bodies,” he said.
“These illicit activities have not only resulted in significant financial losses to the Federal Government but have also raised security and safety concerns as the operations of private aircraft owners have remained largely unchecked and unregulated.”
This, Keyamo said, has also resulted in using private aircraft for other illegal activities.
“Last week, the National Security Adviser wrote to us, alerting us to the spike in money laundering, drug trafficking and other illegal activities through the use of private aircraft in the country,” the minister said.
“It appears that Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) operators have become increasingly emboldened, continuing their illegal operations with the assistance of Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders who collect tolls and list these illegal charters under their AOCs.
“We have received alarming reports that some crew members have not attended mandatory simulator trainings for nearly three years and are flying with fraudulently-obtained renewed licences.
“Many of these individuals are operating planes registered under PNCF but are conducting illegal charter operations with impunity.”
To combat the illegal operators, the minister announced the immediate composition of a ministerial task force on illegal private charter operations and related matters.
News
Executive Order: NAFDAC praises Tinubu for advancing drug and health security
Executive Order: NAFDAC praises Tinubu for advancing drug and health security
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing an executive order to strengthen drug and health security in Nigeria.
In a statement on Saturday, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Moji Adeyeye highlighted that the executive order is designed to transform Nigeria’s health sector. The order focuses on increasing local production of healthcare products, reducing healthcare equipment and consumables costs, and promoting local investments.
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Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that this move paves the way for a sustainable and high-quality healthcare system for all Nigerians. She noted that the executive order demonstrates the administration’s dedication to transforming the health sector and aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Presidential Initiative on Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), which was approved in October 2023.
Prof. Adeyeye also mentioned that NAFDAC has been implementing measures to enhance the local manufacturing of drugs and other health commodities over the past six years. She stated that the Tinubu administration has created an environment where local manufacturers can excel and compete effectively.
Executive Order: NAFDAC praises Tinubu for advancing drug and health security
News
Food Security: Saudi Arabia plans farm equipment manufacturing plants in Nigeria
Food Security: Saudi Arabia plans farm equipment manufacturing plants in Nigeria
Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture, announced that Saudi Arabia has shown interest in establishing manufacturing plants in Nigeria for farming equipment.
Kyari disclosed this in a statement on his Twitter account on Saturday following a meeting with stakeholders from the Middle Eastern state. He highlighted that the objective is to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural sector through mechanization by locating these plants within the country.
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Additionally, Kyari mentioned that Saudi Arabia has committed to purchasing 200,000 metric tons of red meat annually from Nigeria and one million tons of soya. He emphasized that this initiative will bolster the agricultural sector and the nation’s production capacity.
News
Release Nnamdi Kanu now, Peter Obi urges FG
Release Nnamdi Kanu now, Peter Obi urges FG
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obi described Nigeria as being on the brink of failure and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law. He called on the Federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu promptly, citing court rulings that granted him bail.
“My take on Nnamdi Kanu is that I don’t see any reason for his continued detention, especially as the courts have granted him bail. The government must obey the court. The rule of law is an intricate asset that we must cherish and live with. I use this same opportunity to plead with the federal government to ensure that all those who are in similar conditions are released and discussed. We are in a democracy, and we should not be doing things that are arbitrary and not within the law.
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I want to use this opportunity to say that all those who are being held because of one protest or the other should be released. Whether it is freedom fighters, End Sars protesters, or even because of freedom of speech, be it journalists, let them all be released immediately.
We are a democratic country, and people have rights under the constitution to express themselves freely. They also have the right to peaceful protest, and we must listen to them. We must listen to those who say they are not happy, that is why it is a democracy. We should stop acting dictatorial and behave as if this is not a democratic country.” he said
Release Nnamdi Kanu now, Peter Obi urges FG
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