The House of Representatives has directed the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to stop the issuance of airstrip licences to private individuals and organisations for security reasons.

The call was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Sulaiman Gumi (APC-Zamfara) at the plenary in Abuja on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

The House also called for the withdrawal of approvals already granted to private individuals and organisations, with a view to safeguarding national security.

Moving the motion, Gumi said the federal government, through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, had confirmed the approval of an airstrip to Living Faith Church, fondly called Winners Chapel, at Canaanland in the Ota area of Ogun State.

The lawmaker recalled that the Founder of the church, Bishop David Oyedepo, on October 6, informed his congregation of the approval of the airstrip by the federal government.

Gumi recalled that in September 2014, a prominent religious leader was allegedly linked to a private jet used to convey $9.3 million in cash to South Africa for the purchase of arms.

Bishops Abioye, Aremu to leave Winners Chapel

He said it was reported that the private jet, which was seized by the South African authorities, had two Nigerians and an Israeli on board.

Gumi said: “The country is currently experiencing security challenges through illegal importation/proliferation of firearms and ammunition and importation of illicit/hard drugs.

“We are faced 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.

“We are worried that granting airstrip to private individuals and organisations could further aid illegal importation of firearms and hard drugs into the country.

“This can further heighten insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, and other vices that are seriously affecting the socio-economic development of the country.”

In his ruling, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, mandated the Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

The Star