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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has stated that the airstrip licensed for the private use of Bishop David Oyedepo’s church, Living Faith (Winners Chapel), would be managed by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
Keyamo’s statement came in light of growing concerns among lawmakers, particularly members of the House of Representatives, who are advocating revocation of airstrip licenses issued to certain individuals and private organisations, citing security reasons.
The House also called for an immediate halt to new airstrip licenses for individuals and organisations.
This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance led by the representative of Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, Abubakar Gumi.
A fellow House member, Sulaiman Abubarka, expressed worries that the proliferation of private airstrips could worsen the nation’s security situation.
The controversy arose after the aviation ministry granted a license for the church’s airstrip located at Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State.
When contacted by our correspondent on Friday, Keyamo clarified that the airstrip would not operate independently.
He stated, “While the intentions behind the motion are patriotic, they stem from a misunderstanding of how the aviation sector operates. Once we explain the processes involved in approving private airstrips, I believe there will be greater understanding.”
Keyamo clarified that the owners of private airstrips are responsible for constructing the runway and terminal buildings, but once a control tower is built, the airstrip would be handed over to the Federal Government through NAMA.
“An MOU is typically signed with NAMA before any airstrip can begin operations. NAMA is responsible for providing Air Traffic Controllers and Engineers at all airports and airstrips across Nigeria.
“No aircraft can enter Nigerian airspace without prior clearance from NAMA, which includes filing a detailed flight plan,” Keyamo added.
He further explained that private airstrip owners would pay the Federal Government for these services.
According to the minister, he recently issued a directive mandating that all aircraft entering the country must first land at international airports for thorough processing and checks before proceeding to any local airports or airstrips.
“It is completely impossible for any private airstrip owner to facilitate unauthorised flights in and out of the country,” he stressed.
