Reps okay Gumi’s motion on Oyedepo’s airstrip, move to revoke licence

The House of Representatives has urged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to discontinue issuing airstrip licences to private individuals and organizations, citing national security risks.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion presented by Rep. Sulaiman Gumi (APC-Zamfara) during Wednesday’s plenary in Abuja.

Lawmakers also called for the withdrawal of licences previously granted to private entities to prevent potential security threats.

Gumi highlighted that the Federal Government, through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, had approved the establishment of an airstrip for Living Faith Church, located at Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.

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He noted that on Oct. 6, the church’s founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, publicly informed his congregation about the federal approval for the airstrip.

Gumi referenced an incident in September 2014 when a prominent religious figure was allegedly connected to a private jet involved in transporting $9.3 million in cash to South Africa, purportedly to purchase arms. According to reports, South African authorities seized the jet, which carried two Nigerians and an Israeli on board.

“The country is currently grappling with security challenges, including the illegal importation of firearms and hard drugs,” Gumi stated. “Security agencies are struggling to trace the source of weapons supplied to insurgents, kidnappers, and separatist groups responsible for the loss of thousands of lives.”

He warned that allowing private airstrips could exacerbate these challenges. “The issuance of such licences may facilitate the illegal importation of arms and illicit substances, thereby escalating insecurity, banditry, and other criminal activities that hinder the socio-economic growth of the nation,” Gumi added.

In response, Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, directed the Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to ensure the resolution is implemented.