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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has affirmed that the airstrip license granted to Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel, will not be revoked. This statement comes amidst concerns raised by the House of Representatives in October, which called for the withdrawal of licenses granted to private individuals and organizations to safeguard national security.

Keyamo addressed the issue on Arise Television’s programme, ‘This Morning,’ where he emphasized that the church had adhered to all legal processes required for the approval of the airstrip and had not violated any terms.

Background: The House of Representatives’ Demand

In October, the House of Representatives raised concerns about private airstrip licenses, including the one issued to Winners’ Chapel, citing national security implications. The House argued that granting private airstrip licenses could create vulnerabilities and sought a review of existing permits.

This demand sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the motives behind singling out private entities like Living Faith Church, which had complied with the regulatory framework for obtaining such licenses.

Keyamo’s Defense: Adherence to Legal Processes

In his televised remarks, Keyamo firmly defended the church’s compliance with legal and regulatory standards, stating that the license was granted after thorough scrutiny:

“It took me one year to approve that airstrip because we went through so many processes. By law, the minister approves such licenses, and I ensured all due diligence was carried out before granting approval.”

Keyamo stressed that the airstrip’s license aligns with the constitutional right to non-discrimination, adding that revoking the license without just cause would violate the principles of fairness and equality enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

“You can’t single out an individual in a country like this when you have given the same right to so many people and say withdraw that particular one. On what basis? The people have not breached any terms upon which we gave them the license.”

Operational Guidelines for Private Airstrips

The Minister clarified that private airstrips in Nigeria operate under stringent regulations to ensure national security and compliance with international aviation standards. He highlighted key points about the operational guidelines:

1. Restricted International Flights:
   Private airstrips cannot facilitate direct international departures or arrivals. Any flight intending to leave or enter the country must first land at an international airport for thorough security and customs processing.
2. Comprehensive Approval Processes:
   Licenses for private airstrips undergo a rigorous approval process involving multiple regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with safety and security protocols.
3. Equal Standards for All License Holders:
   Keyamo noted that the same regulations apply uniformly to all private airstrip owners, ensuring that no individual or organization is unfairly targeted or exempted.

Living Faith Church’s Airstrip: A Strategic Asset

The airstrip, owned by Winners’ Chapel, serves strategic purposes beyond aviation convenience. The church, under the leadership of Bishop David Oyedepo, has consistently invested in infrastructure development to support its global mission.

The airstrip provides logistical support for the church’s operations, including the transportation of personnel, humanitarian aid, and ministry outreach programs. Critics argue that such infrastructure demonstrates the church’s commitment to self-sufficiency and organizational excellence.

Public Reactions and National Security Concerns

The House of Representatives’ initial demand to review private airstrip licenses drew mixed reactions:

1. Support for Oversight:
   Advocates for heightened scrutiny argue that private airstrips could pose security risks if misused, necessitating regular audits and monitoring.
2. Defense of Private Ownership:
   Others believe that organizations like Winners’ Chapel, which comply with regulations, should not be penalized for the actions of a few bad actors. Many pointed to the church’s track record of transparency and community development as evidence of its good faith.

Keyamo’s reassurances have calmed some of these concerns, with many praising the government’s balanced approach to addressing security risks while respecting private ownership rights.

Constitutional Implications: Non-Discrimination

Keyamo’s remarks emphasized the constitutional principle of non-discrimination, arguing that revoking Winners’ Chapel’s license without justification would set a dangerous precedent.

“The constitution says you should not discriminate against any Nigerian. They are following the rules,” he reiterated.

This perspective underscores the importance of maintaining fairness in regulatory decisions, ensuring that lawful entities are not unjustly targeted due to public or political pressures.

What’s Next for Private Airstrip Licenses?

As concerns over national security persist, aviation experts have called for:

• Regular Audits: Conducting periodic assessments of private airstrips to ensure compliance with safety and security regulations.
• Enhanced Oversight: Strengthening coordination between aviation authorities and security agencies to monitor activities at private airstrips.
• Public Communication: Increasing transparency around the approval process for private airstrips to address misconceptions and build public trust.

These measures could balance the need for security with the rights of private organizations to develop and utilize infrastructure responsibly.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach

Festus Keyamo’s defense of Winners’ Chapel’s airstrip license highlights the importance of due process and non-discrimination in regulatory decisions. While national security concerns remain valid, they must be addressed through fair and transparent measures that respect the rights of compliant entities.

Living Faith Church’s airstrip stands as a testament to the organization’s vision and commitment to excellence, and Keyamo’s stance reinforces the government’s commitment to balancing security with fairness.

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