Reps Move to Stop Issuance of Private Airstrip Licence to Organisations, Individuals
The House of Representatives has advised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo to stop the issuance of Airstrip licence to private organisations or individuals.
According to the lawmakers, existing approvals should also be withdrawn in order to protect Nigeria against rising insecurity and crimes.
The directive followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Suleiman Abubakar Gumi on Wednesday.
The lawmaker referred to a report by The Punch Newspaper published on 9th October, 2024 which quoted the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo confirming the approval of an airstrip for Living Faith Church situated on Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State.
Hon Gumi said, “On Sunday, 6th October, 2024, the Founder of Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo during the Tehillah Night Special edition at Covenant University Chapel, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State informed his congregation of the approval of an airstrip granted by the Federal Government to his Church”.
He recalled that in September 2014, a prominent religious leader was linked with a private jet used to convey $9.3m in cash to South Africa for purchase of arms.
Hon Gumi added,”The private jet which was seized by the South African authorities has two Nigerians and an Israeli on board, (Sahara Reporters, 16th September, 2014)”.
According to him, Nigeria is currently experience security challenges through illegal importation/proliferation of firearms and ammunition, importation of illicit/hard drugs.
He noted that, the challenges are coupled with the inability of security agencies to pinpoint the source of supply of weapons to insurgents, kidnappers and separatists that have massacred thousands of Nigerians across the country.
The lawmaker said, “Granting airstrip to private individuals and organizations will aid illegal importation of firearms and hard drugs into the country, thus heightening insurgency, kidnapping, banditry and other vices that are seriously affecting the socio-economic development of the country”.
The House adopted the motion and called on the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to stop issuance of airstrip license to private individuals and organizations and to also withdraw approvals already granted to private individuals and organizations in order to safeguard national security.
It mandated its Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
