RismadarVoice Reporters
November 14, 2026
Aviation experts have called for stricter regulation, improved flight surveillance and tougher sanctions against private and charter aircraft operators violating safety requirements in Nigeria.
The calls follow two incidents involving foreign-registered private jets, raising concerns about regulatory enforcement, aviation safety and accountability.
The first involved a Bombardier Challenger 601-3A aircraft, registration N989BC, operated by VMO Aero Limited, which landed on a road under construction near Asaba Airport, Delta State, on June 10.
The second involved a Challenger 604 aircraft, registration T7-SEI, operated by Triton Aviation, which experienced a door-related emergency shortly after departing Abuja for Lagos on October 15.
Speaking with Vanguard, General Secretary of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative, Olumide Ohunayo, demanded greater transparency regarding investigations and enforcement measures following the Asaba incident.
Ohunayo questioned whether the authorities had adequately explained the actions taken against the aircraft’s crew and operator.
He, however, cautioned against unnecessary public alarm, explaining that private and commercial aviation operate under different regulatory frameworks.
According to him, the incidents should encourage regulators to strengthen existing safety procedures rather than create panic.
Similarly, aviation security expert Group Captain John Ojikutu (retd.) questioned the enforcement of regulations governing foreign-registered private aircraft.
Ojikutu alleged that some operators might receive preferential treatment because of their connections to influential individuals.
He urged aviation and security agencies to strengthen coordination and ensure compliance with applicable flight authorisation and security clearance requirements.
Former Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Sam Caulcrick, also acknowledged differences in regulatory oversight between private and commercial aviation.
He explained that commercial airlines generally face more extensive certification, maintenance and operational requirements because they transport fare-paying passengers.
Caulcrick, however, noted that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority had intensified monitoring of private operators, including checks aimed at identifying unauthorised commercial charter activities.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau previously confirmed that seven people were aboard the aircraft involved in the Asaba incident and that no injuries were recorded.
The bureau’s preliminary findings established the sequence of events but did not determine the cause of the incident.
Regulatory action was also reported following the occurrence, including the suspension of a non-commercial flight permit.
The experts maintained that stronger enforcement, transparent investigations and improved cooperation among relevant agencies would help strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s aviation safety system.
