In a recent session, the House of Representatives has requested that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, withdraw airstrip licenses granted to private individuals and organizations, including the Living Faith Church. The representatives raised security concerns over allowing private entities to operate airstrips within the country, stating that it could potentially increase risks related to illegal activities.
The call was based on an urgent motion introduced by Representative Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, titled “Need to Stop Issuance of Airstrip License to Private Individuals and Organizations in the Country.” During the session, Gumi highlighted that Keyamo had approved an airstrip for Living Faith Church in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, as confirmed by church founder Bishop David Oyedepo at a recent event at Covenant University Chapel.
Gumi voiced concerns by reminding the House of an incident in 2014 involving a private jet reportedly linked to a religious leader. This jet, carrying $9.3 million in cash, was seized by South African authorities. The funds were allegedly intended for arms purchases, raising questions about private aviation use for unauthorized activities.
Gumi further argued that with ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, including illegal arms trafficking and drug smuggling, allowing private airstrips could facilitate such activities. This, he suggested, could escalate problems like insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry, which are already affecting the country’s stability and economic growth.
Following the debate, the House urged its Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to monitor the situation and ensure adherence to this recommendation.
