The Nigerian government is set to demolish a private jet hangar at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos owned by Nigeria’s wealthiest cleric, Bishop David Oyedepo.
Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s newly appointed minister of aviation and aerospace development, announced that the government intends to remove two multimillion-dollar private jet terminals and aircraft hangars. This move is aimed at facilitating the expansion of the recently inaugurated international terminal at the airport.
Keyamo made this revelation during an inspection of the facilities at Lagos airport. He explained that the private jet terminals were obstructing the expansion of the apron size of the new Chinese-built terminal, which was inaugurated in March 2022. According to him, the apron size of the new international terminal does not provide sufficient space to accommodate jumbo planes operating on international routes.
The two private jet terminals in question belong to Dominion Air, owned by Bishop David Oyedepo, and Evergreen Hangar, operated by a private company.
Keyamo emphasized the need to make use of the new terminal immediately, stating: “We have to find a way to use the new terminal. Like in many other countries, we have to get emergency procurement to buy large buses and transport passengers to areas where big planes can land for both arrivals and departures. This will provide some form of comfort for Nigerians.”
He further outlined the long-term plan to build avio-bridges for accommodating large aircraft. To achieve this, some of the private hangars will need to be relocated for public purposes, ensuring the creation of a functional gateway to Nigeria. Keyamo has given a deadline of Oct. 1 for the shutdown of the old terminal to allow for the full utilization of the new terminal.
This decision echoes the sentiments of the former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika, who also expressed concerns that the two private jet terminals and hangars were impeding the efficient use of the international wing of the airport. Sirika had previously announced plans to remove these facilities to enable the expansion of the new international terminal, which was constructed with Chinese loans.
Although Sirika could not implement these changes during his term, Keyamo is now taking steps to ensure the airport’s optimal use.
Oyedepo, known as Nigeria’s wealthiest preacher, founded the Living Faith World Outreach Ministry in 1981. It has since grown to become one of Africa’s largest congregations.
The Faith Tabernacle, where Oyedepo hosts three services every Sunday, stands as Africa’s largest worship center, with a seating capacity of 50,000.
Oyedepo owns four private jets and homes in London and the United States.
Additionally, he is the proprietor of Dominion Publishing House, a successful publishing company responsible for publishing all his books.
Oyedepo is also the founder and owner of Covenant University, one of Nigeria’s leading tertiary institutions, and Faith Academy, an elite high school.
