KEY POINTS

• Festus Keyamo dismissed favoritism claims, stating that all private airstrip approvals followed constitutional guarantees and rigorous legal procedures.
• The aviation minister assured national security safeguards, requiring private flights to process through international airports before traveling abroad.
• Nigeria’s House of Representatives called for halting new airstrip approvals, but Keyamo defended the decisions as transparent and lawful.

Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has vigorously defended his approval of private airstrips, dismissing growing allegations of favoritism and calls for rescinding licenses.

The minister’s comments come as public scrutiny intensifies, particularly over the airstrip granted to Living Faith Church, which has become a flashpoint in debates about national security and fairness in the aviation sector.

In a recent interview, according to Punch, Keyamo stressed the government’s commitment to fairness and transparency, emphasizing that the same right to private airstrip approval has been extended to various entities across the country.
“How can we single out one individual when similar rights have been granted to others?” he questioned, framing the approval process as consistent with and constitutionally sound.

Keyamo stresses constitutional integrity, rejects discrimination claims

The minister unequivocally rejected claims of discrimination, asserting that all licensed airstrip operators have adhered to the legal framework set by the government. “We have not violated any terms,” Keyamo stated.

“If you single them out, you violate the constitutional guarantee of equality under the law.” He pointed out that no laws had been broken, and the approvals were granted in line with constitutional protections against discrimination.

Thorough approval process, no favoritism: Keyamo responds to criticism

Addressing criticisms of favoritism, Keyamo reminded the public that similar approvals had been granted to other operators across Nigeria. “If other private airstrips have been approved, why should this one be treated differently?” he asked.

The minister stressed that all approvals were based on thorough scrutiny, underlining that the process took over a year to complete. “It took a year because we ensured all due processes were followed. The law mandates the minister’s approval, and I reviewed all the required documentation before making the decision.”

Security safeguards assured as Keyamo responds to national security concerns

On concerns surrounding national security, Keyamo reassured Nigerians that stringent safeguards are in place for all private airstrips.

He clarified that these facilities do not pose any direct threat to international security, as private aircraft operating from these airstrips cannot depart or arrive without passing through an international airport for proper clearance. 

“No aircraft can take off from a private airstrip and fly abroad directly. It must first land at an international airport for processing,” Keyamo explained, reinforcing the oversight measures.

His comments come in the wake of recent pressure from Nigeria’s House of Representatives, which has called for a moratorium on the approval of new private airstrips and the revocation of existing licenses, including those issued to Living Faith Church.

Despite the political pressure, Keyamo stood firm, reiterating that his actions were within the legal framework and aligned with constitutional rights.