The Traffic

Keyamo Exposes Major Air Travel Secret: Oyedepo’s Jet Can’t Take Off Without Approval!

By Achimi Muktar

Festus Keyamo, Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has dropped a bombshell, revealing that no private plane, including those owned by high-profile Nigerians like Bishop David Oyedepo, can leave the country from their private airstrips without securing the proper clearance from authorities.

In a candid appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Keyamo made it clear that despite the apparent privileges of wealthy individuals, aviation regulations still require that all aircrafts, whether military or civilian, comply with established procedures before taking off or landing in Nigeria. This revelation comes at a time when discussions surrounding the regulation of private airstrips have been heating up.

“No Jet Flies Without Permission”

Keyamo’s comments come just two months after Nigerian lawmakers in the House of Representatives pushed for the revocation of private airstrip licenses, citing security concerns. The call for action stemmed from fears that the operation of private airstrips might compromise national security.

When asked specifically about Oyedepo’s private jet, Keyamo affirmed that even the founder of Living Faith Bible Church Worldwide could not bypass the clearance process. “It is not possible. You must go through the proper channels,” Keyamo said emphatically. “No one, not even Bishop Oyedepo, can take off or land directly from a private airstrip without clearance.”

The minister explained that all flights, private or commercial, must first land at an international airport, where passengers will undergo the usual customs, immigration, and NDLEA (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency) checks. Once the necessary formalities are completed, the plane can then proceed to the private airstrip.

40+ Airstrips in Nigeria: Keyamo Breaks Down the Numbers

When probed about the number of private airstrips operating in the country, Keyamo provided a striking statistic: Nigeria currently has over 40 private airstrips, with 23 federal airports and another 8-9 state airports.

“There are more than 40 airstrips across the country,” he confirmed. “I have been to many myself.”

This admission highlights the widespread presence of private airstrips, but Keyamo’s clarification reinforces that they remain tightly regulated and can’t be used as unrestricted gateways for flights in and out of Nigeria.

A Growing Debate Over Airstrip Licenses

Keyamo's statements come at a pivotal time when lawmakers and the public are increasingly questioning the use of private airstrips. In the wake of heightened security concerns, the House of Representatives called for an immediate halt to the issuance of new airstrip licenses, as well as a review of those already granted.

The fear is that without proper oversight, private airstrips could become a conduit for illicit activities, including the movement of goods or people without being subject to the usual checks and regulations. Keyamo’s disclosure that every take-off and landing must pass through international airports first is aimed at reassuring Nigerians that no one is above the law when it comes to aviation rules.

Is This the End of the Debate?

While Keyamo’s statement may have quelled some concerns about the operation of private airstrips, the debate over security and proper regulation is far from over. As private airstrips continue to proliferate across Nigeria, the government faces increasing pressure to balance security with the demands of affluent individuals who view private airstrips as a symbol of status and convenience.

Will the growing number of private airstrips lead to tighter regulations, or is Nigeria set to continue flying high under the current system? With Keyamo’s clarification, the ball is by now in the court of lawmakers, the aviation ministry, and the public to ensure that Nigeria’s skies remain safe and well-regulated for all.