News
“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.
TV anchor Rufai Oseni makes headlines as he speaks on fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He shared that Nigeria can have fuel subsidy without the long queues at filling stations.
“When we were still paying subsidies, there were no long queues. We were subsidising. So you can still have a subsidy regime going on, and there will be no long queues because production was close by. Dangote had it. That’s just it. That argument also falls flat.
“The biggest beneficiaries of subsidy are not Nigerians. They are crony capitalists that have big infrastructure, and they do contracts. They have been the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy,” he said.
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, speaks to those in the electricity sector about the usual blackouts in the state.
He speaks on ways things can change in the state and how electricity can be provided.
“We need to drop corporate egos, abandon long-standing excuses, and confront the harsh realities obstructing progress in the power sector.”
“We, state governments, used to give excuses that everything is centralised, so the Federal Government has unbundled it now. What have we done in a year and a half?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
“We take two steps forward, we go five steps backward,” he said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for public servants in the state to mark the Isese Festival.
Speaking on the celebration, he said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
He added “When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.
“Fighting for Nigerians Is Tiring” — VeryDarkMan Recalls Burna Boy’s Words
Enzo Fernández Moves Closer to Manchester City Transfer
