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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 Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reportedly declared a strike at Taraba State University over outstanding salary-related demands and delays in payments.
The strike is scheduled to begin today, October 12, 2026. According to the union’s chairman, the union had been engaging the Taraba State Government over its outstanding demands since February 2026.
“The union had exercised considerable patience and demonstrated its commitment to dialogue since February 2026, when it began engaging the Taraba State Government over the outstanding issues,” Mbave said.
“The union had earlier suspended its planned industrial action following an appeal by the government for additional time through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, in the interest of maintaining industrial harmony,” the chairman added.
The Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Torseer Yina, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the ancient town.
The curfew takes effect from Thursday, October 8, 2026, following unrest and violent protests in the area.
According to reports, the action was taken to contain the unrest and violent protests by members of BEMOA following the death of one of its members by unknown gunmen.
The protest, which was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums, turned violent after an angry mob burnt two vehicles belonging to the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
The Gboko council chairman said the curfew takes effect immediately and warned that anyone caught flouting the order or breaching public peace would be decisively dealt with.
Nine people have died in a fatal road crash along the Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway in Ogun State.
The crash occurred on Monday at about 4:55pm around the Bethel area along the Ijebu-Ode/Ore axis of the expressway. It involved a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus belonging to Delta Line and a white Sino truck operated by Bill Gas Solution Ltd.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), all nine people involved in the crash, comprising three males and six females, died in the incident.
The FRSC said the crash occurred while it was raining and the road was wet, with preliminary investigations identifying speed violation as the probable cause.
The FRSC rescue team arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the report, while the bodies of the victims were taken to the General Hospital Morgue in Ijebu-Ode.
The Ogun State Sector Commander, Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to obey speed limits and exercise extra caution when driving in the rain.
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