Magnificent Lawyer

 Analyzing the Risks and Complexities of a Private Airstrip in Nigeria: The Case of Bishop David Oyedepo's Canaanland Project

The recent announcement by Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), regarding the Federal Government’s approval for constructing a private airstrip at Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, has sparked significant discussions. While the idea of a private airstrip may seem convenient for personal travel, it raises critical questions surrounding its management, security risks, and the role of government agencies in regulating such facilities.

An airstrip is typically a small, basic aircraft landing field with one runway and minimal facilities. It is often used for light aircraft and lacks the infrastructure of larger commercial airports. In contrast, an airport is a more complex airfield with multiple runways, passenger terminals, and extensive operational facilities, designed to accommodate both private and commercial aviation. The distinction between these two terms is essential when discussing the proposed private airstrip at Canaanland.

Bishop Oyedepo envisions the airstrip as a solution to reduce the need for helicopters to travel to major airports, allowing him and some members of his congregation to fly directly from the church premises. However, this private airstrip comes with its own set of complexities.

One of the most pressing issues is the security of the proposed private airstrip, especially given Nigeria’s current challenges with insurgency and terrorism. Aviation security measures are crucial to safeguarding civil aviation against unlawful interference, including terrorism, sabotage, and other acts that threaten life and property. Commercial airports implement stringent screening protocols, such as government-issued identification checks and comprehensive security measures, to ensure passenger and aircraft safety.

A private airstrip may not benefit from the same level of scrutiny and security resources. This raises concerns about its vulnerability to threats, especially since airstrips, like airports, can be targeted for unlawful activities. The construction and operation of such a facility in Nigeria, at a time when the government is battling insurgency and criminal activities, must be carefully evaluated to prevent exploitation by those with malicious intent.

The management and security of private airstrips, although privately owned, may still require government oversight. This raises questions about the use of taxpayer money for maintaining and securing the airstrip. Will government agencies such as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Ministry of Aviation, or the National Security Adviser (NSA) be tasked with regulating and securing the airstrip? If so, will these agencies be funded by the federal government, or will Bishop Oyedepo assume full responsibility for the airstrip's operational costs?

The complexities of managing a private airstrip lie in its technical resemblance to a mini airport. Even if only four aircraft regularly use the facility, it will require sophisticated aviation logistics, security personnel, and equipment to ensure its safe operation. In many states across Nigeria, even public airports may not land two aircraft a day, so the management of a private facility like Canaanland’s airstrip becomes a unique and potentially costly challenge.

There is a need for clarity on which agencies will be responsible for protecting the private airstrip. In a commercial airport, various layers of security, including the Nigerian Police, military personnel, customs officers, and private security firms, work together to ensure safety. For a private airstrip, questions remain about who will provide this security, how these agencies will be funded, and whether their involvement compromises national security priorities.

Furthermore, securing a private airstrip demands rigorous checks, including monitoring incoming and outgoing flights, screening passengers and crew, and ensuring that the area remains sterile (free from unauthorized personnel). Without proper oversight, the airstrip could become vulnerable.

While Bishop Oyedepo has the financial means to create a comfortable and efficient travel experience, the question arises: is there truly a need for a private airstrip? He already possesses the necessary aviation assets, including sophisticated aircraft that can land at any airport worldwide, and uses helicopters to easily access major airports.

The construction of an airstrip raises economic questions, particularly in a nation where some states do not even see two aircraft landing in a day. Moreover, how will the airstrip be maintained in terms of infrastructure, staffing, and aviation compliance? The economic viability of such a project, when scaled against the current realities of Nigeria’s aviation industry, must be carefully considered.

The introduction of private airstrips adds another layer of complexity to Nigeria's Since the project has been licensed by the federal government. Government must ensure that regulatory frameworks are in place to manage the risks associated with these facilities. Agencies like the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Ministry of Aviation will need to implement clear guidelines on licensing, safety compliance, and security protocols for private airstrips.

Additionally, there must be strict coordination with security agencies, such as the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Defense, to ensure that private airstrips do not become security liabilities. Proper risk assessments must be conducted, and preventive measures should be implemented to avoid potential misuse of these facilities.

The creation of a private airstrip at Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, has sparked valid concerns about the security, regulatory, and economic implications of such a project. While it may provide personal convenience for Bishop Oyedepo and his associates, the broader risks to aviation security and the potential misuse of the facility cannot be overlooked.

Nigeria must carefully assess whether the country is ready for private airstrips, considering the current security challenges. Furthermore, there must be a clear distinction between private convenience and national interest, ensuring that the establishment of such facilities aligns with the safety and well-being of the Nigerian populace. Only through a rigorous regulatory framework and strict adherence to aviation and security protocols can the risks be mitigated.

The government and relevant agencies must address these concerns head-on, ensuring that the project does not compromise national security and is managed in a way that is transparent, secure, and economically sustainable. Written by Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate.