Keyamo Speaks Out on Oyedepo's Airstrip Licence Controversy

Keyamo Responds to Calls to Revoke Oyedepo's Church Airstrip Licence

“The responsibility of the owners of private air strips is just to build the runway and terminal building...”

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo clarifies stance on Oyedepo's church airstrip licence amid national security concerns.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has set the record straight on Twitter today, November 1, that the House of Representatives never asked him to revoke the airstrip license of Oyedepo's Living Faith Church or other private individuals. This clarification contradicts earlier reports suggesting the House of Representatives wanted the Ministry to halt new airstrip licenses and revoke existing ones, including Living Faith Church's, for national security reasons.

Keyamo's statement aims to address the confusion and provide accurate information to the public. The initial reports had sparked concerns about the government's stance on private airstrip ownership and national security. By denying these reports, Keyamo reassures that the Ministry is not taking action against private airstrip owners, including prominent ones like Living Faith Church.

It's essential to note that the government's primary concern is national security, and any measures taken would prioritize safeguarding the country's interests. However, in this case, it appears that the earlier reports were inaccurate, and the Ministry is not revoking airstrip licenses.

Reacting to this Keyamo opined: “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 air strips work and the processes they undergo by our agencies before the final approval, they will be satisfied.

“The responsibility of the owners of private air strips is just to build the runway and terminal building. But after they build the control tower in particular, it is 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 privates air strip owners pay the Federal Government handsomely for these services. No object flies into Nigeria without the 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 authorization. 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.”