The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that private jets, including those owned by prominent individuals like Bishop David Oyedepo, Founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Bible Church Worldwide, cannot leave or enter the country from private airstrips without proper clearance from relevant authorities.
Keyamo made this assertion during an appearance on Politics Today, a program on Channels Television, on Sunday.
His remarks follow concerns raised by members of the House of Representatives over security risks associated with private airstrips.
In September, the House called for the revocation of certain private airstrip licenses and an immediate halt to issuing new ones.
Dispelling misconceptions, Keyamo emphasized that no aircraft, including military planes or drones, can bypass regulatory clearance.
Addressing Oyedepo’s private airstrip, Keyamo confirmed it adheres to due process. He explained, “Oh yes, absolutely. That’s no problem.
The concern was that someone could take off from a private airstrip and fly out of Nigeria or fly into the country. That is not possible.”
He further outlined the protocols, saying, “You must land at an international airport first. Customs, immigration, and NDLEA must process you before proceeding to your private airstrip.
Similarly, when flying out, you must pass through the same checks at an international airport before departing.”
Keyamo assured that no unauthorized use of airstrips occurs, as clearance from authorities is mandatory at all times.
On the number of airstrips in Nigeria, the minister revealed, “We have over 40 airstrips.
Federal airports are 23, state airports are about eight or nine, and the airstrips total approximately 40. I’ve personally visited them.”
