The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has found himself at the center of a swirling controversy surrounding the approval of a private airstrip for the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners’ Chapel. Accusations of preferential treatment and concerns about national security have been raised by the House of Representatives, which has called for the withdrawal of the license granted to the church and a halt to the issuance of such licenses to private entities. Keyamo, however, has staunchly defended his decision, asserting that it was made in strict adherence to established legal processes and without any bias or favoritism. He has emphasized the importance of fairness and consistency in applying regulations, insisting that revoking the church’s license while similar permits remain valid for others would constitute discriminatory practice and violate constitutional principles of equality.
Keyamo’s defense rests primarily on the meticulous and lengthy approval process that preceded the granting of the license. He has highlighted the rigorous scrutiny involved, stating that it took over a year to complete all necessary checks and balances. According to the minister, the law explicitly designates the Minister of Aviation as the final authority in approving such applications, and his decision was based on a comprehensive review of the church’s compliance with all stipulated requirements. He questioned the rationale behind singling out the church’s license for revocation when numerous other private entities across the country operate their own airstrips under similar permits. He argued that such selective enforcement would be arbitrary and unjustified, setting a dangerous precedent for discriminatory application of regulations.
Addressing concerns about potential security breaches, Keyamo has sought to allay fears by outlining the stringent security protocols governing private airstrips in Nigeria. He stressed that no private aircraft can depart directly from a private airstrip to an international destination. All such flights are mandated to first land at an officially designated international airport, where they are subject to thorough security screenings and processing before being allowed to proceed. This requirement, he explained, ensures that all international flights originating from private airstrips are subjected to the same security measures as those departing from major airports, effectively mitigating any potential risks.
The controversy surrounding the airstrip approval reflects a broader debate about the balance between individual rights and national security concerns. The House of Representatives, motivated by concerns about potential security vulnerabilities posed by privately owned airstrips, has taken a strong stance against their proliferation. Their call for the withdrawal of existing licenses and a moratorium on future approvals signals a heightened awareness of the potential risks associated with such infrastructure in private hands. They argue that the potential for misuse of privately owned airstrips for illicit activities, such as smuggling or even terrorism, cannot be ignored, and that stricter controls are necessary to safeguard national security.
However, Keyamo counters that such a blanket ban or revocation would infringe upon the rights of individuals and organizations who have legitimately obtained these licenses and operate their airstrips responsibly. He argues that the existing regulations, coupled with the mandatory stopover at international airports for all international flights, provide adequate security safeguards. Revoking licenses without due cause, he insists, would be a violation of due process and an unjust penalty for those who have complied with all legal requirements. He maintains that a more effective approach would be to strengthen oversight and enforcement mechanisms rather than implementing a sweeping ban that could stifle legitimate economic activities.
The ongoing debate underscores the complex interplay between security concerns, individual rights, and economic considerations in aviation policy. While the House of Representatives emphasizes the imperative of safeguarding national security, Keyamo stresses the importance of upholding due process and avoiding discriminatory practices. The controversy also highlights the need for a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to regulating private airstrips, one that addresses security concerns without unduly restricting legitimate private enterprise. A balanced solution must be found that protects national security while respecting individual rights and promoting economic growth. This will require careful consideration of all perspectives and a commitment to finding common ground.
