The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to revoke airstrip licenses issued to private individuals and organizations, citing national security concerns.
Additionally, the House has requested an immediate halt to the issuance of new airstrip licenses to private entities.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Mr. Abubakar Gumi, the representative for Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara State.
Gumi, who recently switched from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, highlighted a recent approval by the Federal Government for an airstrip at Living Faith Church in Ota, Ogun State, confirmed by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
He pointed out that Bishop David Oyedepo, the church’s founder, announced this approval during a special service on October 6, 2024.
Gumi recalled a past incident in September 2014, where a prominent religious figure was connected to a private jet seized in South Africa for transporting $9.3 million in cash for arms purchases. The jet had two Nigerians and an Israeli on board.
The House expressed concerns about the current security challenges in the country, including illegal firearms and drug importation, and the difficulties faced by security agencies in tracing the supply sources for insurgents and kidnappers responsible for numerous deaths across Nigeria.
Gumi argued that allowing airstrips for private entities could facilitate illegal activities, exacerbating issues like insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry, which threaten the nation’s socio-economic development.
When the motion was put to a voice vote by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, there was a near-equal response from lawmakers in favor and against it. However, the Speaker ultimately sided with the majority supporting the motion, urging the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to cease issuing airstrip licenses to private individuals and organizations and to withdraw existing approvals to enhance national security.
