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“Private Jets, Including Oyedepo’s, Can’t Fly Without Government Clearance” – Keyamo
The Nigerian government has reaffirmed that private aircraft owned by prominent individuals, including Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, cannot operate from private airstrips without proper clearance from relevant authorities.
This was stated by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday.
Keyamo’s clarification comes amidst discussions about the regulation of private airstrips, following a call by the House of Representatives approximately two months ago to revoke airstrip licenses granted to Bishop Oyedepo and other private individuals or organizations.
The lawmakers expressed concerns over national security, citing the alleged use of such facilities to smuggle illegal arms into the country by suspected sponsors of terrorism.
Explaining the government’s stance, Keyamo emphasized that strict protocols are in place to ensure that no aircraft or drone can operate in Nigerian airspace or land at private airstrips without thorough vetting.
He detailed the procedures required for any aircraft entering or leaving the country, underscoring the role of security and regulatory agencies in maintaining control.
“Every aircraft, regardless of its ownership, must adhere to international airport procedures,” Keyamo said.
“If a private jet is arriving in Nigeria, it must first land at an international airport, where agencies like Customs, Immigration, and the NDLEA will conduct thorough checks.
Only after this can the aircraft proceed to a private airstrip.”
Similarly, Keyamo explained the protocols for outbound flights.
“If you are flying out of Nigeria, you must start at an international airport.
Your plane will go through all the necessary clearances, including customs and immigration processes, before you are allowed to take off,” he added.
The minister stressed that at every stage of the process, authorities are involved in granting approvals to ensure that the system is not exploited for illicit activities.
“No private airstrip can be used for unauthorized purposes without the express permission of the authorities,” he noted.
This development highlights the government’s efforts to balance the privileges of private aviation with national security concerns.
Bishop Oyedepo, who is one of Nigeria’s most prominent religious leaders and the founder of the globally recognized Living Faith Church, owns several private jets.
His airstrip license has been a subject of public discourse, especially with allegations surrounding the misuse of private facilities.
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has spoken on Nigeria’s economy, stating that the country lacks a good maintenance culture.
She said “The fact is that endowments alone do not add value. Budgetary allocations alone do not lead to new roads or good maintenance.”
“We lack a maintenance culture in the country. I have to say that. I’m Nigerian, but we need that. We need better ports and digital infrastructure, and lower trade costs. Execution is what matters, and successful execution requires focus. It requires prioritisation.”
Politician and former presidential candidate Peter Obi speaks on President Bola Tinubu’s comments regarding the rising hunger and worsening economic situation in Nigeria.
It can be noted that the President recently stated that hunger has always existed in Nigeria.
Peter Obi responded “I watched with deep concern the statement made by President Bola Tinubu to the Catholic Bishops, that there has always been hunger in Nigeria, even before he was born.”
“While it is true that hunger has been a part of human life and has existed in our country for decades, such a statement appears insensitive to the plight of the millions of Nigerians who face worsening economic hardship today.”
Reports have been shared stating that the Nigerian Army has launched a new programme designed to train and improve the skills of engineers in tackling threats posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The seminar is being organised by the 41 Engineer Brigade of the 1 Division Nigerian Army.
It was stated “Improvised Explosive Devices have become one of the greatest security threats confronting the Nigerian Army in ongoing counter-insurgency operations. Their widespread use has complicated military operations and humanitarian activities in conflict-affected areas.”
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