The NSCIA urges the revocation of Oyedepo’s airstrip licence

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged the federal government to cancel the airstrip licence granted to Living Faith Church, led by David Oyedepo. The council made this request during its 10th Expanded General Purpose Committee (EGPC) meeting, presided over by its President-General, Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, in Abuja.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Salisu Shehu, the NSCIA labeled the licence a significant security risk.

Earlier in October, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, approved the licence, allowing the church to construct a private airstrip. While Mr. Keyamo assured that the facility would be managed by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), his decision sparked immediate debate.

Professor Ishaq Akintola, an Islamic rights activist from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), criticized the move, suggesting the government might struggle to maintain control over the airstrip due to systemic weaknesses.

He also expressed concerns over the influence of religious figures like Oyedepo, claiming that their large followings could complicate regulatory oversight.

The NSCIA, in its statement, called the licence an "aberration of the highest order" and emphasized the potential risk to national peace and security.

The council also addressed other concerns, such as the non-recognition of Muslim marriage certificates by some authorities. It argued that this forces Muslims to obtain additional official certificates that sometimes conflict with Shariah law. The NSCIA pledged to tackle this issue.

Additionally, the council reaffirmed its stance that the Centre for Islamic Studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, is the only authorized body to organize the national Qur’anic recitation competition. It rejected any attempts to undermine this authority.

To enhance the capacity of the National Mosque, the NSCIA proposed appointing five more resident and visiting Imams, pending approval from its Fatwa Committee.