- Minister Keyamo said that the House of Representatives did not formally request the revocation of airstrip licenses
- Keyamo explained the oversight role of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in regulating air traffic
- The Minister emphasised the importance of contacting the Ministry before moving motions related to aviation issues
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said that the House of Representatives did not ask him to revoke the airstrip licence for Oyedepo’s Living Faith Church or any other private individuals.
This was disclosed on the Minister’s X account, formerly Twitter on Friday, November 1.
Keyamo clarifies House of Reps request on airstrip licence
The Minister said, “I think this is not correct. The House of Reps. as a body did not call on the Minister to revoke the license of any private airstrip.
“I think what happened is that someone moved a motion in that regard and it was unanimously referred to the Aviation Committee to look into it.
“Whilst the intention of the Hon. Member who moved it is very patriotic, it was based on a complete lack of knowledge of the aviation sector. By the time we explain to them how private airstrips work and the processes they undergo by our agencies before the final approval, they will be satisfied.”
Recall that the House of Representatives requested the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to stop the issuance of airstrip licenses to private entities and to revoke current licenses, such as those awarded to Living Faith Church, citing national security concerns.
Keyamo outlines responsibilities of private airstrip owners in Nigeria
The Minster added, “The responsibility of the owners of private airstrips is just to build the runway and terminal building. But after they built the control tower in particular, it was completely handed over to the Federal Government through NAMA (Nigerian Airspace Management Agency) which is in complete control of the entire airspace in Nigeria. An MOU is usually signed with NAMA in this regard before the airstrip is approved for operations.
“It is NAMA that provides the Air Traffic Controllers and Engineers in ALL AIRPORTS and AIRSTRIPS IN NIGERIA. And the private airstrip owners pay the Federal Government handsomely for these services. No object flies into Nigeria without prior clearance by NAMA and without filing a clear flight plan, eg, where it is taking off from and where it intends to land.
“And I have recently directed that all aircraft coming into the country MUST first land at our international airports where they would be properly processed and checked before they make their local flights into whatever airport or airstrip they intend to go. So, it is COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY impossible for any private airstrip owner to just jump on an aircraft and fly in and out of the country through that facility.
“The Federal Government does not permit that. You will not be cleared for take-off or landing without prior request and authorisation. I thank the Member for his patriotism, but I wish he contacted us first to explain to him before rushing to move such a motion. I attach herewith for public consumption the NAMA Act that gives exclusive control of the Nigerian airspace to the Federal Government through NAMA”.
Mixed reactions trail government approval of airstrip at Canaanland
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Government approved the construction of an airstrip at Canaanland, announced by Bishop David Oyedepo, facilitating direct flights for the church community.
The announcement sparked a divided response online, with critics questioning the appropriateness of the airstrip and supporters highlighting potential community benefits.