The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the House Committee on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the issuance of an airstrip license to the Living Faith Church Headquarters, also known as Canaanland, in Ota, Ogun State.
The appeal follows the October announcement by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirming the license approval for the church’s construction of the airstrip. Keyamo assured that the Federal Government would manage the facility through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
This announcement sparked concerns from members of the House of Representatives, who urged the revocation of airstrip licenses granted to certain private individuals and organizations, citing national security risks.
In a statement on Saturday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh acknowledged the legislators’ security concerns but emphasized that the church had fully complied with all legal and regulatory requirements to secure the license. He urged the committee to avoid unfounded allegations linking the church to illegal activities, stressing the church’s commitment to transparency and adherence to the law.
Okoh also called for constructive dialogue between stakeholders, highlighting the need to balance national security with the rights and freedoms of religious institutions. He reiterated CAN’s readiness to collaborate with the government to enhance national security while fostering trust between religious organizations and the state.
Part of the statement reads, “The recent government decision to grant a licence for the construction of an airstrip at the Living Faith Church headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, has drawn significant attention and concern from some members of the House of Representatives. These concerns primarily revolve around national security and the potential misuse of private airstrips”.
“As the House Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance undertake their investigation, it is imperative that this process remains transparent and impartial. To prematurely associate the church with potential illegal activities, without substantive evidence, risks undermining the integrity of both religious institutions and regulatory bodies. The church stands firm on its commitment to legality and transparency”.
“We urge the lawmakers to consider the broader implications of their actions and rhetoric, ensuring that religious undertones do not cloud objective judgment. The church has always been a stronghold for peace, development, and community service. It is essential to recognise that revoking the licence without substantial evidence could unjustly undermine the rights of religious organisations and set a troubling precedent for future cases. Demonising its efforts without just cause does a disservice not only to the church but to the principles of justice and fairness that bind our nation”.
“As we await the outcome of the investigation, we call on all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation. Let this be an opportunity to strengthen, rather than fracture, the trust between religious communities and the state.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria stands ready to support measures that enhance national security while upholding the rights and freedoms of religious institutions”.
