National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed that the airstrip licensed for private use by Bishop David Oyedepo’s church, Living Faith (also known as Winners Chapel), will be managed by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Keyamo’s statement comes in light of growing concerns among lawmakers, particularly within the House of Representatives, who are advocating for the revocation of airstrip licenses issued to certain individuals and private organizations, citing security reasons.
The House is also calling for an immediate halt to new airstrip licenses for individuals and organizations.
This initiative followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance led by Mr. Abubakar Gumi, the representative for Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency in Zamfara State.
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 airstrip located at Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State. Addressing these concerns, Keyamo emphasized 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 is 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.”
He further explained that private airstrip owners compensate the Federal Government for these services. “No aircraft can enter Nigerian airspace without prior clearance from NAMA, which includes filing a detailed flight plan,” Keyamo added.
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 unauthorized flights in and out of the country,” he stressed.
Keyamo concluded by expressing gratitude for the lawmakers’ patriotic intentions but suggested they seek clarification from his office before moving forward with such motions.
He referenced the provisions of the NAMA Act, which grants the Federal Government exclusive control over Nigeria’s airspace.
