CAN Demands Legal Safeguards for Living Faith Church’s Airstrip License
On Saturday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urged lawmakers to refrain from damaging the Living Faith Church’s brand because of its recently granted airstrip licence.
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Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, declared in October that the church had been granted permission to build an airport, which would be overseen by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency on behalf of the federal government.
Citing national security concerns, several House of Representatives members have opposed the permission and demanded that airfield licenses granted to private entities and individuals be revoked.
CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh signed a statement in which the organisation asked parliamentarians to be fair and unbiased in their investigation.
Although security concerns are legitimate, CAN stressed that they shouldn’t give rise to unjustified suspicion or discrimination based on religion.
According to reports, the church obtained the licence after fulfilling all safety and legal requirements, demonstrating its adherence to legal regulations.
“The church has adhered to all regulatory procedures in securing this license,” the statement read, referencing Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo’s confirmation of compliance.”
CAN also emphasised the church’s role in community service, development, and peace while warning against measures that would undermine faith between the government and religious institutions.
CAN has urged openness and productive discussion throughout the procedure, emphasising that religious overtones must not influence the parliamentarians’ decisions.
“As we await the outcome of the investigation, we call on all stakeholders to engage in cooperation and dialogue. This is an opportunity to strengthen trust and foster mutual respect between religious communities and the state,” the statement added.
CAN reaffirmed its willingness to back policies that strike a balance between safeguarding religious freedom and national security.
