Key Points
- Keyamo says private planes need clearance before departing Nigeria.
- Private flights must land at international airports for checks.
- Nigeria has around 40 airstrips under strict regulations.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, explained on Sunday that private aircraft, particularly those owned by well-known people like Bishop David Oyedepo, are not allowed to depart the nation straight from private airports without first gaining permission from the appropriate authorities.
Keyamo clarifies regulations for private airstrips in Nigeria
Keyamo said this during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television. His comments follow two months after the House of Representatives, citing security concerns, demanded that private airfield licenses granted to individuals and organizations be revoked. Additionally, the House suggested that new licensing for private airstrips be immediately discontinued.
“A drone or aeroplane, even one that is part of the military, cannot leave or enter the country without authorisation from the relevant agency,” Keyamo said.
In response to a question about whether Oyedepo’s airstrip follows the same procedures, Keyamo said it does. “Oh, sure, without a doubt. That is not an issue.
According to punch, the idea that someone could fly into or out of Nigeria via a private airport was the one thing that worried them [the government]. “It’s not feasible,” he declared.
Private flights must pass through international airports for checks
According to Keyamo, all flights must first land at an international airport so that Customs, Immigration, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) may handle them.
Planes can only reach their private airstrips after completing these procedures. Before departing the nation, outbound flights must also go through the same procedures at an international airport.
“No airstrip is utilised for these reasons without permission. The authorities must provide their approval at every stage,” he continued.
Keyamo responded that there are perhaps 40 airstrips in Nigeria, in addition to federal and state airports, when asked how many there are.
We have 23 federal airports. There are roughly eight or nine at state airports. Additionally, there are roughly 40 airstrips. I’ve been there myself,” he remarked.
The minister’s comments are intended to allay public fears about the abuse of private airports and to reassure them that safeguards for Nigeria’s airspace are in place.
