The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Government to withdraw airstrip licenses already issued to private individuals and organizations, citing national security concerns.
The resolution also calls for an immediate halt to the issuance of new airstrip licenses.
This decision follows the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by Abubakar Gumi, the representative for Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara State.
Gumi, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress from the Peoples Democratic Party, highlighted the recent approval of an airstrip for Living Faith Church, located in Ota, Ogun State, confirmed by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
During a special event at Covenant University Chapel, David Oyedepo, the Founder of Living Faith Church, announced the government’s approval of the airstrip, raising further concerns among lawmakers. Gumi recalled a troubling incident from September 2014 when a private jet linked to a prominent religious leader was involved in a case of illegal arms trafficking.
“The House is concerned about the current security challenges in the country, including the illegal importation of firearms and drugs, as well as the ongoing difficulties faced by our security agencies in identifying sources of weapons supplied to insurgents, kidnappers, and separatists,” Gumi stated.
He argued that allowing private individuals and organizations to operate airstrips could facilitate illegal activities, exacerbating issues such as insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry, which threaten the socio-economic stability of Nigeria.
When the motion was put to a voice vote by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, opinions were divided among lawmakers, but the Speaker ultimately ruled in favor of the motion.
The House has since urged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to cease the issuance of airstrip licenses to private entities and to retract approvals that have already been granted, prioritizing national security.
