Yemisi Izuora
The Federal Government has assured that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu will resume operational activities before Easter.
The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika who gave the assurance during a visit to the airport to ascertain progress of work done so far, noted that because of the strategic importance of this airport to the South-Eastern region, the Federal Government carefully contracted the project to a reputable construction company (Messrs PW Ltd) and that the contractor has given assurance that the project will be completed before Easter.
He said the new international terminal being constructed at the airport will also be completed before the end of the year, adding that Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), Air Field Lightning (AFL), Taxi lights and other key deliverable are also part of the project.
The Minister was accompanied on the visit by the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Lolo Cecelia Ezeilo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr Musa Hassan, the Managing Director of FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Honourable Nnolim Nnaji and Nigeria’s representative to ICAO, Engr Ben Tukur.
President Muhammadu Buhari had in October 2019 approved the release of N10 billion Special Intervention Fund for immediate repairs and upgrade of the Akanu Ibiam International airport, Enugu.
Sirika had in May 2019 while announcing plans to shut the aerodrome for comprehensive rebuilding of the runway and terminal buildings and other landing facilities to aid night flight operations would be done to address safety challenges raised by airline operators flying into the airport.
He listed the major challenges hampering the smooth operation of the airport to include the poor state of the airport runway, the presence of a state radio mast on the flight path of airlines that threatens the safety of incoming aircraft, the siting of a Free Trade Zone at the end of the runway, as well as incessant bird strikes affecting airlines and occasioned by the presence of an abattoir at proximity to the airport.
Since his re-appointment, Sirika has held several meetings with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and other governors from the zone with a view to fashioning speedy completion of the project.
Ugwuanyi has shown commitment to the project and assisted in the relocation of the Emene market located very close to the runway. He also ensured the pulling down of a radio mast and relocated the Free Trade Zone in the interest of safety of aircraft and passengers.
It would be recalled that in January 2013, former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah announced the Federal Governments plan to remodel 11 airports in Nigeria as the first phase of a comprehensive exercise to bring the Nigerian aviation system to internationals standard.
