The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the House of Representatives Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the airstrip licence granted to Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, in Otta, Ogun State.
House Resolution to Halt Airstrip Licences
In October, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, approved the construction of an airstrip for the church, sparking debate across various sectors. The runway, located in Otta, was granted to the church despite concerns raised by the House of Representatives. The lower legislative chamber subsequently passed a resolution urging the Ministry of Aviation to halt the issuance of airstrip licences to private entities and organizations, citing potential national security risks.
The motion to halt the issuance of these licences was introduced by Sulaiman Abubakar, a member of the House representing the Gummi/Bukkuyum federal constituency of Zamfara State. Abubakar argued that granting airstrips to private entities could encourage the illegal importation of firearms and drugs, thereby exacerbating issues like insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry. He referenced a 2014 report of a plane containing money and weapons that was intercepted in South Africa after departing from Nigeria.
In response, Minister Keyamo rejected the motion, accusing Abubakar of lacking understanding of the aviation sector. He clarified that airstrip owners are responsible for constructing the runway and terminal, but once a control tower is built, the federal government, through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), assumes full control of the airspace. Keyamo emphasized that the government would oversee all airstrip operations, ensuring compliance with national security protocols.
CAN Defends Church, Calls for Fairness
In a statement issued on Saturday, CAN President Daniel Okoh defended the church, stating that Living Faith Church had followed all necessary regulatory procedures to secure the airstrip licence. Okoh called for transparency in the investigation, stressing that the church has always adhered to legal frameworks and procedures.
“To prematurely associate the church with potential illegal activities, without substantive evidence, risks undermining the integrity of both religious institutions and regulatory bodies,” Okoh stated. He urged lawmakers to ensure that religious undertones do not cloud objective decision-making and stressed that the church has been a positive force for peace, development, and community service.
Okoh further cautioned against the revocation of the church’s airstrip licence without proper evidence, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for future cases involving religious organizations. He emphasized that the church’s commitment to legality and transparency should not be questioned without just cause.
As the investigation proceeds, Okoh appealed for constructive dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders, urging that the process should strengthen, rather than fracture, the trust between religious communities and the state. He concluded by reaffirming CAN’s support for measures that enhance national security, while ensuring the protection of religious freedoms and rights.
The outcome of the investigation remains to be seen, but the calls for transparency and fairness underscore the growing tension between national security concerns and the rights of religious institutions in Nigeria.
