CAN Urges Transparency In Canaanland Airstrip Licence Probe

The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged the House Committee on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation into the granting of an airstrip licence to the Living Faith Church Headquarters, popularly known as Canaanland, in Ota, Ogun State.

Recall that in October, the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had announced the granting of the License to the Living Faith Church for the construction of an airstrip.

Keyamo said the airstrip would be managed by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, following concerns among members of the House of Representatives, who advocated for the revocation of airstrip licenses issued to certain individuals and private organisations, citing security reasons.

In a statement on Saturday, the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, acknowledged the lawmakers’ concerns regarding security and misuse of the airstrips, noting that the church adhered to all legal requirements in securing the license.

He urged the lawmakers to refrain from associating the church with potential illegal activities without substantiating the claims, adding that the church was committed to legality and transparency.

Okoh called on stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, noting that the situation presented an opportunity to strengthen the trust between religious organisations and the state and that CAN was ready to support efforts to strengthen national security and uphold the rights and freedom of religious institutions.

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”.