FOSE, Forum of Security Experts, has supported the Minister of Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on 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 had called for the revocation of Oyedepo’s airstrip license due to security concerns.

However, Keyamo denied the reports, explaining that the House of Representatives had not directed the cancellation of any private airstrip licences.

The Minister also suggested that a motion by an MP calling for the cancellation of private airstrips was based on a complete lack of knowledge about the aviation industry.

The motion in question was referred to the House of Representatives Aviation Committee for consideration, and Keyamo noted that MPs will remain convinced of the need for private airstrips until the Ministry makes statements.

Keyamo said in his post on X: “They will be satisfied when we explain to them how private airstrips work and the processes our agencies go through before the final approval.”

Speaking on the issue in a statement on Tuesday, the Forum of Security Experts (FOSE) supported Keyamo’s stance on private airstrips.

In a statement signed by Danladi Adamu, experts praised the minister for supporting the growth of the aviation sector by modernizing Nigerian airports and investing in the latest technologies to improve efficiency, safety and security.

Experts said that allocating airstrips to qualified individuals and organizations such as the Living Faith Church provides many benefits such as economic growth, employment creation and encourages local development.

Private airstrips also increase access to remote areas, facilitating humanitarian aid and medical evacuations, according to the group.

Other benefits of private airstrips, according to experts, include supporting tourism, allowing visitors to access the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, stimulating local economies and supporting small businesses.

The Security Experts Forum called on the National Assembly to support the Ministry’s efforts to enhance aviation safety and development.

Parts of the statement read: “The Forum of Security Experts (FOSE) strongly supports the position of the Minister of Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on the allocation of airstrips to Bishop David Oyedepo’s Living Faith Church and other qualified persons.

“Despite the controversy surrounding the move, Keyamo clarified that the House of Representatives did not give a direct order to cancel the private airstrip licenses.

“Keyamo’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s aviation growth is commendable. Its emphasis on modernizing airports and investing in the latest technologies increases efficiency, safety and security. While regulatory reforms encourage local and international investment, investments in the training and development of aviation professionals also foster excellence.

“At the NCAA Southwest Regional Air Transport Summit (SWRATS) 2024, Keyamo underlined the critical role of aviation in economic growth. A well-developed aviation sector attracts foreign investment, grows industries such as logistics, travel and tourism, and connects Nigeria to global markets.

“Nigeria has achieved significant milestones in the sector, including improved ratings under the Cape Town Convention. The country’s aviation working group rating increased from 49.5% to over 70%. This renewed confidence will provide airlines with better financial tools.

“Dedicating airstrips to qualified individuals and organizations such as the Living Faith Church provides many benefits. It increases economic growth, creates employment and stimulates local development. Private airstrips also increase access to remote areas, facilitating humanitarian aid and medical evacuations.

“In addition, private airstrips promote tourism, allowing visitors to access Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. This stimulates local economies and supports small businesses.

“Keyamo’s reforms will promote an investor-friendly aviation sector and reassure investors of transparency and accountability. As a minister, he promotes growth, modernization and security improvements.

“FOSE commends Minister Keyamo for supporting Nigeria’s aviation growth while also addressing security concerns. We call on the National Assembly to support the Ministry’s efforts to enhance aviation safety and development.

“Working together, we can reposition the Nigerian aviation industry in terms of financial capacity and economic sustainability. Keyamo’s leadership has instilled confidence in Nigeria’s aviation future.

“The benefits of dedicating airstrips to qualified individuals extend beyond economic growth. They also increase national security by providing alternative landing strips for emergencies.

“Dedicated airstrips also support agricultural development, enabling the efficient transportation of perishable goods to markets. “This strengthens Nigeria’s agricultural sector, promoting food security and economic diversification.”