The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has stated that private planes, including those belonging to prominent individuals like Bishop David Oyedepo, cannot leave or enter Nigeria directly from private airstrips without proper clearance.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Keyamo emphasized that all aircraft must follow due process, landing at international airports for customs, immigration, and other checks before proceeding to or from private airstrips.

Keyamo’s remarks follow calls by the House of Representatives to revoke some private airstrip licenses over security concerns and halt new approvals. He reassured that authorities maintain strict oversight on all flights, including military aircraft and drones.

The minister also revealed that Nigeria has over 40 airstrips in operation, alongside 23 federal airports and several state-run facilities.