For security reasons, the House of Representatives has urged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to cease awarding airstrip licenses to private persons and organizations.
The call came after Sulaiman Gumi (APC-Zamfara) adopted a motion during Wednesday’s plenary in Abuja.
The House also demanded that existing authorizations for private individuals and organizations be revoked in order to protect national security.
Moving the motion earlier, Mr. Gumi stated that the approval of an airstrip to Living Faith Church, located at Canaanland in Ota, Ogun, had been confirmed by the federal government through Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace.
He remembered how David Oyedepo, the church’s founder and the man who founded Winners Chapel, told his congregation on October 6 that the federal government had approved the airfield.
A well-known religious figure was allegedly connected to a private jet that transported $9.3 million in cash to South Africa for the procurement of weapons in September 2014, Mr. Gumi recalled.
He stated that two Nigerians and an Israeli were reportedly on board the private jet that was taken by South African officials.
Due to the illegal importation and proliferation of firearms, ammunition, and illicit or hard narcotics, the nation is currently facing security issues.
Read Also: EFCC seeks Yahaya Bello’s trial in absentia, court adjourns for ruling
The incapacity of our security authorities to identify the source of the weaponry supplied to separatists, militants, and kidnappers who have slaughtered hundreds of Nigerians nationwide is a problem we face.
“We are concerned that providing an airport to private individuals and organizations may facilitate the unauthorized entry of firearms and hard drugs into the nation.”
He stated, “This can further heighten insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, and other vices that are seriously affecting the country’s socio-economic development.”
The Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance were directed by Speaker TajudeeHouseas to guarantee compliance in his verdict.
