Abuja: The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to withdraw already approved airstrip licences granted to private individuals and organizations, and stop further issuance of license to private individuals and organizations as a way to safeguard national security. This was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the ‘Need To Stop Issuance Of Airstrip License To Private Individuals And Organizations In The Country’, sponsored by Mr Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi.
According to Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Gumi highlighted that the Federal Government, through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the approval of an airstrip to a religious organisation in Ota, Ogun State. He recalled instances where private planes were used or linked to smuggling activities by individuals and organizations. He cited a 2014 incident involving a prominent religious leader linked with a private jet used to convey $9.3 million in cash to South Africa
for arms purchase, with the jet seized by South African authorities.
Mr. Gumi expressed concerns over ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, including illegal importation and proliferation of firearms, ammunition, and illicit drugs, which security agencies struggle to trace to their sources. He warned that granting airstrip licenses to private entities could exacerbate these issues, aiding in the illegal importation of firearms and drugs, thus fueling insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry, which significantly hinder the socio-economic development of the country.
In response, the House has mandated its Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to ensure adherence to this directive.