The House of Representatives has requested the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to suspend the issuance of airstrip permits to private individuals and organizations for security purposes.
The News Agency of Nigeria disclosed that a call was made after Rep. Sulaiman Gumi (APC-Zamfara) moved a motion that was adopted during the Plenary in Abuja on Wednesday.
In a bid to safeguard national security, lawmakers also seek the reversal of previously approved licenses issued to private individuals.
Rep. Sulaiman Gumi disclosed that the Federal Government through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace,Festus Keyamo has acknowledged the approval of an airstrip for Living Faith Church in Ota, Ogun .
He also recounted that on October 6, Bishop David Oyedepo announced the federal government’s approval of the airstrip to Winners Chapel members, which generated excitement and praise.
Gumi also made reference to September 2014 incident where a prominent religious figure was accused of involvement with a private jet transporting $9.3 million to South Africa for arms buying.
According to reports, the private jet seized by South African authorities had two Nigerian nationals and an Israeli citizen on board.
Gumi further revealed that , “The country is currently experiencing security challenges through illegal importation/proliferation of firearms and ammunition and importation of illicit/hard drugs”.
“We are faced with the inability of our security agencies to pinpoint the source of supply of weapons to insurgents, kidnappers and separatists that have massacred thousands of Nigerians across the country.
“We are worried that granting airstrip to private individuals and organisations could further aid illegal importation of firearms and hard drugs into the country” he stressed.
“This can further heighten insurgency, kidnapping, banditry and other vices that are seriously affecting the socio-economic development of the country.”
Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, instructed the Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to oversee the enforcement of the regulation.
Eniola Jolaoso