By EMAMEH GABRIEL

As an avid follower of newspaper opinions and columns, I have learned to preserve my sanity by steering clear of Dele Sobowale’s writings. However, occasionally when I do read his column, I am inevitably left disappointed, questioning the sincerity of his “Frankly Speaking” moniker.

This sentiment has also been widely expressed by many Nigerians who have questioned his motives every time he writes, asking if his true intentions are to misinform rather than enlighten.

Just when Nigerians are celebrating the landmark progress recorded in the country’s aviation industry reforms, this familiar critic resurfaced again with another mischievous article, this time, targeting the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) with malicious intent. Upon reading it, I could trace the hands of Esau and the voice of Jacob in it.

The article appears to be a calculated maneuver to coerce the government into adopting a particular stance, which the author notably failed to articulate, suggesting instead that him and his benefactors may be driven by ulterior motives.

Penned from a place of ignorance, but given the author’s history of publishing misleading contents, this one seems to be a deliberate attempt to discredit, rather than a genuine critique. Its clear bias and inaccuracies raise suspicions about the writer’s true intentions.

Sobowale’s frustration is not only that it was wrong to give approval for private airstrips in Nigeria but that the Keyamo betrayed ignorance in four ways, namely: historical, social, security and economic. He went on to cite instances of the early years of RO-PO jetties in the 1980s, which he said were later made haven for illegal business. He went further to warn that the proliferation of airstrips could spell doom for country.

This sounds ridiculous. According to Sobowale, “there is serious danger ahead if the intention is to approve more airstrips for others”. He pointed that, in fact, his strongest objection to the entire scheme rests on the fact that others will step forward for permits.

I find Sobowale’s statement not only jarring, but also alarming and regressive, particularly in this modern era of rapid technological advancements. What is even more strange is that such a misguided view is being espoused by someone who is supposed to shape public opinion, making it all the more perilous for public consumption.

First, it is pointless for any progressive mind to dwell on mistakes of the past to dictate the present and future. Sobowale should know that holding a society hostage over mistakes consciously or unconsciously made in the past by a handful of people can be counterproductive. Instead of fixating on what went wrong, we should focus on learning from history and using same as a template to secure the future.

While we cannot change the past, we can strive to understand it more fully, learning lessons for the present and future. Counterfactual history, which explores “what if” scenarios, can illuminate critical turning points and the potential impact of alternative choices.

Again, Sobowale’s aggressive criticism of the Minister over his refusal to withdraw ownership licence of private airstrips in Nigeria was not only misplaced but scripted out of ignorance.

The Civil Aviation Act provides that the minister for aviation may approve the establishment and development of aerodromes anywhere in Nigeria, provided that a licence for an aerodrome will not be granted to anyone other than: a citizen of Nigeria; or the federal government, a state government, a local government or any company or corporation owned or controlled by the government; or a company or corporation registered in Nigeria and with its principal place of business in Nigeria.

The Act also stated that in order to operate an airport in Nigeria, the operator must hold an aerodrome certificate granted under Part 12 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

The Act also states clearly when and how a licence can be revoked. If the Minister were to disregard the Act, as Sobowale suggested in his misleading piece, it would essentially mean betraying the very oath he took to uphold and protect. In other words, the Minister’s actions would be in direct conflict with his sworn duty to defend and uphold the law and those he swore to serve, the people.

How on earth can anyone think or believe that it is possible to revoke a right granted to Nigerians without a valid reason? To do so would be discriminatory and violates the principles of equality enshrined in our Constitution. These persons have adhered to all the terms and conditions of their license. The approval for the airstrip was not a hasty decision taken by the minister. It was a thorough process that spanned over a year. The minister only acted on the dictates of the law.

Sobowale ought to be aware that owning an airstrip does not confer absolute control over an opetator. In reality, no airstrip can function independently without the involvement of government agencies such as NAMA, FAAN, NCAA, and others, which ensure that regulatory requirements are strictly adhered to and oversight responsibilities are duly fulfilled. So, the issuance of licenses for private airstrips did not start with Keyamo and will undoubtedly continue in the future. People must do away with parochialism and give way for reforms that are put in place to stimulate infrastructure development, foster employment opportunities, and drive economic expansion, especially those that encourage private participation.

In the United States today, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there are around 5,589 public airports and this number has dropped to 5,217. Additionally, data from 2020 indicates that there are approximately 19,919 airports in total but the number of private airports have increased from 11,901 in 1990 to 14,702 in the US.

Shifting focus to Africa, South Africa stands out with a large network of over 130 airports, strategically distributed across the country. This diverse range of airports include small, regional airfields as well as large, international hubs. This is outside the almost 15 military airstripes spread across the country. Furthermore, numerous private airstrips are scattered throughout South Africa, catering to various purposes such as game reserves, tourism, private lodges, and charter operations. Notably, South Africa’s robust aviation infrastructure supports a population of approximately 60 million. In stark contrast, Nigeria, Nigeria, giant of the continent with a population exceeding 200 million, has a relatively limited airport network, comprising only 32 airports and a few private airstripes in operational.

Private airstrips are a potential investment opportunity globally, and Nigeria must capitalise on this trend. With advancements in technology, monitoring and regulation have become more efficient. Moreover, private airstrips can generate substantial revenue for the government, provided that applicants and operators meet the necessary licensing requirements and fees. Only those soaked in stone age mentality would view investments in this area as a security risk. 

Nigeria has progressed beyond such thinking and must align itself with global standards to remain competitive with other developing countries.

Today, there are almost 40 comparable licenses in existence across Nigeria; it begs the question: what underlying motivations are driving the calls for the minister to rescind the specific license issued? For instance, Kogi State alone boasts of several privately owned airstrips, some of which are currently operational, with additional ones slated to commence operations in the near future. Notable examples include the functional Dangote Airstrip in Obajana (Lokoja LGA/KW), the MANGAL Airstrip in Mopa LGA/KW, and the Egbe Airstrip (missionary) in Yagba West/KW, which is nearing completion. The Adogo Airstrip in Ajaokuta (LGA/KC) is currently non-operational.

All these airstrips are concentrated in a single state within the federation, yet there have been no allegations or reports of Dangote using his airstrip for illicit activities. Similarly, none of the other private airstrip owners have been implicated or accused of facilitating illegal enterprises through their airstrips.

If we have all these concentrated in one state without issues, what then is the underlying motivation behind Dele Sobowale’s article? Is it that Sobowale and his backers are averse to reforms and simple democratic principles? Nigeria is keeping abreast of the rapid evolution of modern technology, embracing innovation and progress. This is what the government is more focused on right now, especially in the aviation industry as evident in some of the sweeping reforms already being carried out by the aviation minister.So, frightful detractors should be advised to get productive in whatever responsibility that has been confided in their hands presently.

The minister is focused and has no respect for those whose only bargain chip for positions and good things of life is their sense of entitlement. For this reason, people like Dele Sobowale ought to be properly guided and not to have made themselves available as a willing tool of proxy campaign of hate and calumny against the government in the hands of her jittery detractors.