Nobody travels via private airstrips in Nigeria without security checks, says Keyamo

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, says no one travels through private airstrips in the country without security checks.

Keyamo spoke on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ programme on Sunday.

The minister addressed claims about external military operations happening in Nigeria without the notice of the Nigerian government.

Keyamo said there are over 40 private airstrips in the country, debunking claims that the facilities can used without thorough security checks.

“We have for the federal airports, we have 23, and then the state airport is about eight or nine now,” he said.

Keyamo said it is not possible to fly in or out of Nigeria without proper checks by airport officials.

“You must land in an international airport first and then the customs, immigration and NDLEA will process you and you will take off from there to your private airstrip,” Keyamo said.

“If you’re also flying out, you must fly out and land at an international airport first. You go through customs, immigration and the normal process and then fly out.”

On November 21, Keyamo announced his plans to appoint voluntary special airport marshals to monitor staff conduct, evaluate airport cleanliness and assess general conditions.