Minister Festus Keyamo emphasizes that “airspace security control by NAMA” ensures no aircraft enters Nigeria without a cleared flight plan. Consequently, he addressed the security concerns raised by the House of Representatives regarding private airstrip operations in the country. Keyamo stated, “No object flies into Nigeria without prior clearance by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.” Additionally, he highlighted that this system prevents unauthorized entries, stressing that security oversight by NAMA is thorough.
Furthermore, Keyamo clarified that his ministry will work with the House of Representatives to resolve any misunderstandings about private airstrips. He assured lawmakers that private airstrip approvals go through strict vetting processes. He added, “It is totally impossible for private airstrip owners to jump on aircraft and fly in and out of the country through that facility.” Moreover, he explained that NAMA’s approval process involves mandatory checks, which guarantee each flight’s compliance.
At a recent session, Representative Sulaiman Gumi called for the revocation of private airstrip licences due to security concerns. He highlighted the Federal Government’s authorization of an airstrip for a private organisation, citing it as a potential security risk. In response, Keyamo countered that Gumi’s stance resulted from a lack of familiarity with aviation protocols, saying, “Whilst the intention of the Hon. Member who moved it is very patriotic, it was based on a complete lack of knowledge of the aviation sector.”
Keyamo elaborated that NAMA, as the body overseeing airspace security control, collaborates closely with private airstrip owners through formal agreements. After constructing a control tower, private airstrip owners’ hand over air traffic control to NAMA, ensuring federal oversight.
To strengthen security, he mandated that all international flights first land at major airports for processing before proceeding domestically. He assured that airspace security control by NAMA is thorough, requiring prior clearance for all aircraft takeoffs and landings.
“I have recently directed that all aircraft entering the country must first land at our international airports,” he said. “There, they are properly processed and checked before making local flights to their intended airport or airstrip.”
So, it is completely and totally impossible for any private airstrip owner to just jump on an aircraft and fly in and out of the country through that facility. The Federal Government does not permit that.
“You will not be cleared for takeoff or landing without prior request and authorisation. I thank the Member for his patriotism, but I wish he contacted us first to explain to him before rushing to move such a motion.
He attached for public consumption the NAMA Act that gives exclusive control of the airspace security control by NAMA legality.
