HoR moves to halt private airstrip licenses, orders revoking of Oyedpo’s Church approval

On Wednesday, the Nigerian House of Representatives urged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to cease issuing airstrip licenses to private individuals and organizations.

Lawmakers also recommended the revocation of existing approvals, including one granted to Living Faith Church, to reinforce national security.

The decision followed a motion presented by Rep. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi titled “Need to Stop Issuance of Airstrip License to Private Individuals and Organizations in the Country,” which was deliberated during the plenary session in Abuja.

Gumi highlighted that Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo had recently confirmed an airstrip license for Living Faith Church, located at Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.

This announcement came after Bishop David Oyedepo, the church’s founder, shared the news with his congregation during a Tehillah Night service at Covenant University Chapel.

“Recall 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 the purchase of arms. The private jet which was seized by the South African authorities had two Nigerians and an Israeli on board, (Sahara Reporters, 16th September 2014);

“The country currently experiences security challenges through illegal importation/proliferation of firearms and ammunition, importation of illicit/hard drugs, coupled with the inability of our security agencies to pinpoint the source of supply of weapons to insurgents, kidnappers and separatists that have massacred thousands of Nigerians across the Country;

“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 however urged the Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.