The Nigerian government has reaffirmed that private aircraft, especially those owned by prominent individuals like Bishop David Oyedepo, are subject to stringent clearance procedures prior to entering or departing the nation.
This was revealed by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo in an interview on Channels TV on Sunday.
According to Keyamo, “no drone or private aircraft can take off or land without following proper procedures.”
All private flights, he clarified, must first touch down at an international airport so that they can be thoroughly processed by the NDLEA, Customs, and Immigration.
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Even for departures, this process is required to ensure adherence to security regulations.
Keyamo’s comments came after discussions concerning private airports in Nigeria. In the past, the House of Representatives demanded that permits given to certain people and institutions—including Bishop Oyedepo—be revoked in light of security lapses connected to illicit weaponry importation.
Keyamo emphasized that “authorities closely monitor airstrip operations to ensure that all aircraft are properly cleared” in response to these worries. He informed the people that aviation safety and accountability are top priorities for the administration.
In an attempt to prevent private airports from being used for illegal purposes, the government has taken this position.
The minister’s remarks have brought attention to Nigeria’s private aviation laws again, emphasizing how they strike a balance between operational ease and security for private aircraft owners.