On October 30, the Nigerian House of Representatives raised concerns over national security and aviation policy, calling the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to stop issuing airstrip licenses to private individuals and organizations, including one recently granted to Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church.
This resolution, announced at a plenary session led by Hon. Sulaiman Gumi, aims to prevent potential security risks linked to private airstrips.
At the session, Gumi expressed alarm over “the country’s persistent security challenges” and specifically mentioned the risks of “illegal importation of firearms and drugs” via private airstrips, which he suggested could increase insurgency, kidnapping, and other crimes affecting Nigeria’s socio-economic stability.
Referring to a 2014 incident, Gumi recalled a religious leader’s private jet caught transporting $9.3 million in cash to South Africa allegedly for arms purchases, saying, “This incident is a reminder of the security risks involved in privately operated airstrips.”
During a Sunday, October 6, church service at Covenant University Chapel in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Oyedepo informed his congregation about the recent approval of an airstrip license granted by the Federal Government to Living Faith Church. Following this, Gumi’s motion specifically referenced Oyedepo’s approval as part of the wider security concerns tied to private airstrips.
In response, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, clarified the House’s actions on November 1, 2024, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
He stated that the House’s directive was misinterpreted, explaining that “the House did not instruct an immediate revocation of airstrip licenses, but rather directed the matter to the Aviation Committee for further examination.” Keyamo defended the safety measures of private airstrips, explaining, “No object flies into Nigeria without prior clearance by NAMA and a clear flight plan.”
Keyamo explained that while private entities may construct airstrip facilities, the government, specifically through NAMA (Nigerian Airspace Management Agency), has operational control.
He added, “The owners of private airstrips build only the runway and terminal, but the control tower is handed over to the Federal Government. It is completely managed by NAMA.”
He further noted that private airstrip owners compensate the government for NAMA’s services, reinforcing government oversight.
The Ministry of Aviation and the House’s Aviation Committee are now set to review the issue, with possible reforms to be recommended.
