Stop Issuing Airstrip Licences To Individuals, House Tells Aviation Ministry

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.

Debating the motion, Mr. Gumi noted 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 where used or linked to smuggling activities by individuals and organisations.

He said: “Recall that in September 2014, a prominent religious leader was linked with a private jet used to convey $9.3m in cash to South Africa for purchase of arms. The private jet which was seized by the South African authorities has two Nigerians and an Israeli on board, (Sahara Reporters, 16th September, 2014);

“The country currently experience security challenges through illegal importation/proliferation of firearms and ammunition, importation of illicit/hard drugs, coupled 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;

“Granting airstrip to private individuals and organizations will aid illegal importation of firearms and hard drugs into the country, thus heightening insurgency, kidnapping, banditry and other vices that are seriously affecting the socio-economic development of the country” Mr. Gumi said.

The House has therefore mandated its Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

Emmanuel Ukoh