The Forum of Security Experts, FOSE has backed Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, over the allocation of private airstrips to individuals, including Bishop David Oyedepo’s Living Faith Church.
There were reports that some members of the National Assembly called for the revocation of Oyedepo’s airstrip license due to security concerns.
But Keyamo refuted the reports, clarifying that the House of Representatives did not direct the revocation of any private airstrip licenses.
The minister also suggested that a motion moved by a lawmaker, calling for the revocation of private airstrips, was based on a complete lack of knowledge of the aviation sector.
The said motion was referred to the House Committee on Aviation for consideration and Keyamo noted that lawmakers will be convinced of the need for the private airstrips by the time the Ministry provides explanations.
“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,” Keyamo said in a post on X.
Speaking on the issue in a statement on Tuesday, the Forum of Security Experts (FOSE) backed Keyamo’s stance on the private airstrips.
In the statement signed by Danladi Adamu, the experts commended the minister for promoting the growth of the aviation sector by modernizing Nigerian airports and investing in cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency, safety and security.
The experts said the allocation of airstrips to qualified individuals and organizations, like Living Faith Church, offers numerous benefits such as economic growth, job creation and stimulates local development.
According to the group, private airstrips also increase access to remote areas, facilitating humanitarian aid and medical evacuations.
Other benefits of private airstrips, according to the experts, include the promotion of tourism, enabling visitors to access the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, boosting local economies and supporting small businesses.
The Forum of Security Experts urged the National Assembly to support the Ministry’s efforts at enhancing aviation security and development.
Parts of the statement read, “The Forum of Security Experts (FOSE) strongly endorses Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo’s, stance on allocating airstrips to Bishop David Oyedepo’s Living Faith Church and other qualified individuals.
“Despite the controversy surrounding the move, Keyamo clarified that the House of Representatives did not direct revocation of private airstrip licenses.
“Keyamo’s dedication to promoting Nigeria’s aviation growth is laudable. His emphasis on modernizing airports and investing in cutting-edge technologies enhances efficiency, safety, and security. Regulatory reforms encourage local and international investments, while investments in the training and development of aviation professionals foster excellence.
“At the NCAA South-West Regional Air Transportation Summit (SWRATS) 2024, Keyamo underscored aviation’s critical role in economic growth. A well-developed aviation sector attracts foreign investments, grows industries like logistics, travel, and tourism, and connects Nigeria to global markets.
“Nigeria has achieved notable milestones in the sector, including improved ratings under the Cape Town Convention. The country’s aviation working group rating jumped from 49.5% to over 70%. This renewed confidence will provide airlines with better financial instruments.
“The allocation of airstrips to qualified individuals and organizations, like Living Faith Church, offers numerous benefits. It enhances economic growth, creates jobs, and stimulates local development. Private airstrips also increase access to remote areas, facilitating humanitarian aid and medical evacuations.
“Moreover, private airstrips promote tourism, enabling visitors to access Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. This, in turn, boosts local economies and supports small businesses.
“Keyamo’s reforms will foster an investor-friendly aviation sector, reassuring investors with transparency and accountability. As a minister, he drives growth, modernization, and security enhancements.
“FOSE commends Minister Keyamo for addressing security concerns while promoting Nigeria’s aviation growth. We urge the National Assembly to support the Ministry’s efforts in enhancing aviation security and development.
“By working together, we can reposition the Nigerian aviation industry for financial capability and economic viability. Keyamo’s leadership has instilled confidence in Nigeria’s aviation future.
“The benefits of allocating airstrips to qualified individuals extend beyond economic growth. They also enhance national security by providing alternative landing strips for emergency situations.
“Private airstrips also support agricultural development, enabling efficient transportation of perishable goods to markets. This boosts Nigeria’s agricultural sector, promoting food security and economic diversification.”
