The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that private planes, including those belonging to influential Nigerians like Bishop David Oyedepo, cannot depart or enter the country directly from private airstrips without first obtaining clearance from relevant authorities. Keyamo made this statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* on Sunday, in response to concerns raised by members of the House of Representatives over the operation of private airstrips.
Keyamo emphasized that any aircraft, including military planes or drones, must adhere to the established process of clearance from authorities such as Customs, Immigration, and NDLEA before takeoff or landing. He confirmed that Oyedepo’s airstrip followed the same due process, stressing that no plane can leave or enter Nigeria from a private airstrip without going through the appropriate procedures at an international airport first.
When asked about the number of airstrips in Nigeria, Keyamo stated that there are over 40, including 23 federal airports and 8 or 9 state airports, with the remainder being private airstrips. He reassured the public that all airstrips are subject to regulatory oversight.
