The House of Representatives has urged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to halt the issuance of airstrip licenses to private individuals and organizations, citing security concerns. This resolution followed the adoption of a motion presented by Sulaiman Gumi (APC-Zamfara) during a plenary session in Abuja on Wednesday.
In addition to the suspension of new licenses, the House also called for the withdrawal of existing approvals granted to private entities. This measure, lawmakers believe, will strengthen national security by reducing potential risks associated with private airstrips.
In presenting his motion, Mr. Gumi highlighted that the federal government, under the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, had recently approved an airstrip for Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, located at Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State.
According to Gumi, on October 6, the church’s founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, publicly announced the federal government’s authorization of the airstrip to his congregation.
Mr. Gumi also cited a 2014 incident where a prominent religious leader was allegedly involved with a private jet used to transport $9.3 million in cash to South Africa for arms procurement. South African authorities seized the jet, which was reportedly carrying two Nigerians and an Israeli.
He further emphasized that the country is grappling with security threats posed by the illegal importation of firearms, ammunition, and hard drugs. According to Mr. Gumi, the inability of security agencies to trace the sources of arms and drug supplies fueling insurgency, kidnapping, and other violent crimes poses a severe threat to Nigeria’s security and socio-economic development.
“Granting airstrip licenses to private individuals and organizations could increase the risk of illegal arms and drug trafficking into the country,” Mr. Gumi argued. “This can further heighten insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, and other crimes that have taken a toll on Nigeria’s progress.”
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, endorsed the motion and directed the Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to oversee its implementation, ensuring that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace complies with the directive to restrict airstrip licensing for private parties.
