Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo affirmed that no plane, including those belonging to high-profile individuals like Bishop David Oyedepo, can take off from private airstrips in Nigeria without clearance from aviation authorities. He explained that all flights must go through international airports and relevant security checks.
Keyamo, clarified on Sunday that the private plane of Nigerians, including Bishop David Oyedepo, cannot depart from private airstrips without clearance from the relevant authorities. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Keyamo explained that any aircraft, even those belonging to private individuals or the military, must obtain approval from aviation authorities before flying in or out of Nigeria. This includes going through customs, immigration, and other procedures at an international airport before flying to a private airstrip.
Keyamo's comments came amid recent concerns raised by the House of Representatives, which called for the revocation of certain private airstrip licenses, citing security reasons. He emphasized that there are more than 40 airstrips in Nigeria, including both federal and state-operated facilities, but stressed that no aircraft can take off from a private airstrip without going through the necessary clearance process. The minister reassured the public that regulations are strictly enforced to ensure safety and compliance with national security protocols.
