GOVERNMENT is determined to clamp down on users of private aircraft. It finds cover under its powers to regulate aviation though the reasons appear more ridiculous by the day.

The confirmation that government is insisting that private aircraft cannot ferry friends and business associates of their owners is well over the limit in regulations. The recent claims that there have been abuses, including possible security breaches, cannot be adequate reasons to castrate private aviation.

Much confusion would result from the policy – all of them exposing the shallowness of whatever informed it. What qualifies as a private aircraft? Will aircraft belonging to local governments and States be classified as private? Are planes in the presidential fleet private or would they have immunity from the regulation?

Almost all the oil companies and major businesses depend on private aviation to create paces they deem appropriate for their activities. Would the “no friends, no business associates” regulations apply to them? Who are then allowed to use private planes? Who can meet the conditions for their use?

Privation aviation, the world over, is a creation of the realisation that businesses and governments that can afford them, save a lot of time (which is money) if they can travel to their engagements without the strangling demands of commercial airlines even in places with more travel options.

Another consideration is the security of top personalities which could be compromised if they travel in scheduled flights. By its nature, therefore, private aviation does all the things that the Federal Government wants to banish, and more.

Mega deals are concluded in them. Business people are too busy sometimes to have meetings in their offices or hotels. As they shuttle round the world, they can make stops, pick up partners and round off deals while still air borne. Nigeria says it would not allow these regular business manners in her air space.

Demands that manifests should be filed are normal. If the authorities suspect that some planes are violating regulations, they should deal with them. There are no grounds, however, to punish all present and prospect private plane owners over  the  sins of others.

Government should have better reasons for the clamp down, which is doubtful if it can implement them. Business growth demands that people get to opportunities faster. Without private planes it is more challenging.

The latest regulation on private aircraft amounts to decapitation as cure for headache. No matter how bad a headache is, there must be a better way of curing it, except if such premium is placed on getting done with the headache that loss of life is considered immaterial. Over regulation is as dangerous as loose regulation.