The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged the EFCC to intensify efforts against aviation fraud and other sector-related crimes.
NCAA Director General Captain Chris Najomo appealed during a Tuesday courtesy visit to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede at Abuja headquarters.
The EFCC, confirming the meeting on its X handle, said discussions focused on curbing fraud, money laundering, and aviation misconduct.
Najomo warned that fraudulent activities in the industry pose major risks to safety oversight and operational transparency. He cited aircraft purchases, leasing, foreign maintenance contracts, and safety infrastructure procurement as areas vulnerable to aviation fraud and laundering.
“Non-remittance weakens the NCAA’s ability to fund safety oversight and operational efficiency. In some cases, EFCC’s intervention is necessary to investigate deliberate withholding, diversion, or misappropriation of funds. Some operators even under-report revenues, manipulate ticketing systems, or divert resources, sabotaging effective regulation,” Najomo said.
He warned that illegal charter operations disguised as private flights pose dangers and promote unregulated financial flows. He called for EFCC’s financial intelligence to expose these schemes.
Najomo proposed solutions including training NCAA staff to detect red flags, holding sensitisation workshops, and sharing intelligence to strengthen oversight.
In response, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede pledged the Commission’s commitment to tackling aviation fraud. He said senior officers would partner with NCAA to finalise an MoU on joint investigations, intelligence sharing, and compliance monitoring.
“With the kind of work you do, when people see us beside you, they will take you seriously. Aviation is an area where we have seen money laundering, especially through chartered services. That is why we will continue working with you until we achieve results,” Olukoyede assured.
Fraud in the aviation sector has remained a recurring challenge. Last month, Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema revealed that his company lost $2 million to a Tunisia-based leasing firm. In July, EFCC warned Nigerians about fake airline ticket promos fraudsters use to steal personal data and siphon funds.
