Keyamo Clarifies: Winners’ Chapel Airstrip License Will Not Be Revoked
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that the airstrip license granted to Living Faith Church, also known as Winners’ Chapel, will not be withdrawn.
Speaking on Arise Television’s This Morning programme on Sunday, Keyamo addressed concerns raised over the church’s airstrip following calls from the House of Representatives in October to revoke the licenses of private individuals and organizations, citing national security concerns.
Keyamo defended the church’s license, stating that Winners’ Chapel had followed all necessary legal and regulatory processes before the airstrip was approved. He emphasized that no rules had been violated by the church, and that revoking the license would be discriminatory.
“You can’t single out an individual or organization when the same rights have been granted to many others. On what basis would you revoke it? They haven’t breached any terms. The constitution does not permit discrimination against any Nigerian,” Keyamo remarked.
The minister further explained that the approval process for the airstrip took a full year due to a comprehensive review. “It took me one year to approve that airstrip because we went through several steps to ensure everything was in line. By law, the minister must approve it, and after reviewing all the processes, I gave my approval.”
Keyamo also clarified that private airstrips, including the one at Winners’ Chapel, are not for international flights. He explained that flights departing from a private airstrip must first land at an international airport for processing. Similarly, incoming flights must land at an international airport before proceeding to a private airstrip.
“The rules are clear. You cannot fly internationally from a private airstrip in Nigeria. You must first land at an international airport to undergo processing,” Keyamo stated.
In conclusion, the Minister reaffirmed that the license granted to Winners’ Chapel remains intact, with the church complying fully with all legal and procedural requirements.
