Nigeria’s House of Representatives has raised serious security concerns over private airstrips, calling on the government to revoke licenses previously granted to individuals and organizations. This resolution came after a debate in the House, driven by a motion from Sulaiman Abubakar, a lawmaker from Zamfara state.

Abubakar stressed that private airstrips could be exploited to smuggle illegal goods, such as weapons and drugs, into Nigeria. He pointed out that the ease of access these private airstrips provide might enable the unchecked entry of items that fuel insecurity, such as firearms, which are often linked to insurgency, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the country.

Recently, approval was granted for an airstrip at Canaanland in Otta, Ogun State, home to the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel). While the church’s airstrip has not been linked to illegal activities, lawmakers worry that such facilities could unintentionally support smuggling and other criminal operations.

Abubakar recalled an incident in 2014 when a Nigerian aircraft was detained in South Africa for allegedly attempting to smuggle $9.3 million in cash to purchase weapons. This case, according to him, highlights how private aviation assets can sometimes avoid strict monitoring, thus raising concerns about the security risks associated with private airstrips.

Following this discussion, the House agreed to request that the aviation ministry, led by Festus Keyamo, halt the issuance of new private airstrip licenses. They also recommended revoking existing licenses as a measure to strengthen national security. The House further instructed its aviation and legislative compliance committees to oversee the enforcement of this decision.

This push to regulate private airstrips underscores the lawmakers’ commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges by limiting potential entry points for illegal goods.