The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to halt the issuance of private airstrip licenses, citing security concerns. This resolution followed a motion presented by Rep. Sulaiman Gumi (APC-Zamfara) during Wednesday’s plenary session in Abuja.
The House also recommended that existing airstrip licenses granted to private individuals and organizations be revoked in the interest of national security.
In his motion, Rep. Gumi highlighted recent approval of an airstrip for Living Faith Church, located in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, and led by Bishop David Oyedepo. He noted that on October 6, Bishop Oyedepo announced the federal government’s authorization of the airstrip to his congregation.
Rep. Gumi cited a 2014 incident where a private jet linked to a religious leader was reportedly detained in South Africa while carrying $9.3 million in cash, allegedly intended for arms purchases. He expressed concerns that private airstrips could potentially facilitate the illegal importation of firearms, ammunition, and drugs, which he argued could worsen the nation’s security challenges.
“Granting private airstrips could lead to greater risks of illegal arms and drug importation, exacerbating insurgency, kidnapping, and other issues affecting Nigeria’s socio-economic development,” he said.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, directed the Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to oversee adherence to the resolution.
