The House of Representatives has asked the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to halt the issue of airstrip licenses to private people and organizations for security grounds.
The demand followed the acceptance of a resolution by Sulaiman Gumi (APC-Zamfara) at the plenary in Abuja on Wednesday.
The House also asked for the revocation of approvals previously granted to private individuals and groups to protect national security.
Moving the motion earlier, Mr Gumi stated that the federal government, through Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Festus Keyamo, had confirmed the approval of an airport for Living Faith Church, located in Canaanland in Ota, Ogun.
Read Also: NEITI: Solid minerals sector contributes over N1.1 Trn to government revenue
He recalled that on October 6, the church’s founder, David Oyedepo, popularly known as Winners Chapel, notified his congregation that the federal government had approved the airfield.
Mr Gumi recalled how, in September 2014, a major religious leader was reportedly linked to a private jet that transported $9.3 million in cash to South Africa for the purchase of weaponry.
According to reports, the private jet seized by South African officials was carrying two Nigerians and an Israeli.
“The country is currently facing security issues due to the illegal importation and proliferation of firearms and ammunition, as well as the importation of illicit/hard narcotics.
“We are confronted with our security agencies’ incapacity to identify the source of weapons supply to terrorists, kidnappers, and separatists who have slaughtered thousands of Nigerians nationwide.
“We are concerned that giving airstrips to private persons and organisations may facilitate the illegal smuggling of firearms and dangerous drugs into the country.
“This can further heighten insurgency, kidnapping, banditry and other vices that are seriously affecting the socio-economic development of the country,” according to him.
Speaker TajudeeHouseas’ order directed the Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to guarantee compliance.
