The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticized a member of the House of Representatives for attempting to revoke the licenses of certain airstrips in Nigeria, labeling the move as “a lack of understanding of the aviation industry.”
In a response posted on his X handle on Saturday, Keyamo clarified that the House of Representatives, as a body, had not formally called for the revocation of any private airstrip licenses.
This clarification follows concerns raised by some lawmakers, particularly regarding the potential security implications of approving airstrips for private individuals and organizations.
Representative Sulaiman Abubakar had argued in the House that the increasing number of airstrip approvals could worsen the country’s security challenges.
However, Keyamo sought to educate the public on the operational protocols governing the aviation sector, particularly regarding license approvals.
“I think this is not correct.
The House of Reps, as a body, did not call on the Minister to revoke the license of any private airstrip.
What happened is that someone moved a motion in that regard, and it was unanimously referred to the Aviation Committee for further review,” Keyamo stated.
He added, “Whilst the intention of the Hon. Member who moved it is very patriotic, it was based on a complete lack of knowledge of the aviation sector.
By the time we explain to them how private airstrips work and the processes they undergo with our agencies before the final approval, they will be satisfied.”
Keyamo explained that the responsibility of private airstrip owners is limited to constructing the runway and terminal building.
Once a control tower is built, it is handed over to the Federal Government through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), which manages the country’s entire airspace.
He elaborated, “An MOU is usually signed with NAMA in this regard before the airstrip is approved for operations.
It is NAMA that provides the Air Traffic Controllers and Engineers in all airports and airstrips in Nigeria.
The private airstrip owners pay the Federal Government handsomely for these services.”
The minister emphasized that no aircraft can enter Nigeria without prior clearance from NAMA, including a detailed flight plan indicating departure and arrival locations.
He also noted a recent directive requiring all incoming aircraft to land at international airports for proper processing before proceeding to any local destination.
“It is completely and totally impossible for any private airstrip owner to just jump on an aircraft and fly in and out of the country through that facility.
The Federal Government does not permit that,” Keyamo asserted.
He concluded by expressing appreciation for the lawmaker’s patriotic intentions but suggested that he should have consulted with the ministry before moving such a motion.
Keyamo attached the NAMA Act, which outlines the exclusive control of Nigerian airspace by the Federal Government through NAMA, for public reference.
