Following a Senate resolution on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, the Honourable Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika has briefed the chambers on the proposed plan of the Federal Government to shutdown the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja for six (6) weeks. The said Senate Resolution invited the Ministers of Transportation, State Aviation, FCT, Works, Power and Housing, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigerian (FAAN) among others for a briefing to explore alternative options to closing the airport for repairs and re-routing all Abuja flights to Kaduna.
Speaking on the matter at the Senate plenary session on Thursday, January 12, 2017, Sen. Sirika’s statements supported the FG’s decision as he explained that the runway of the Airport had exceeded its life span of fourteen (14) years and that the repair of infrastructure of several portions of the runway were long overdue, as they had failed completely. He also elucidated that although repairs on the runway would take a longer time frame of six (6) months, immediate remedial measures would happen for a shorter time frame of six (6) weeks. He stated that the closure of airport runways in Nigeria was not odd and the usual practice when it becomes crucial. In addition, he noted that the Ministry of Aviation, in the event of security challenges, had set some safety measures in place. Some of the safety measures mentioned would include deploying various security personnel at the Kaduna airport, within the Kaduna State metropolis and through the Kaduna-Abuja road, among others. The Minister also gave his assurances on the safety and security of citizens stating that the closure of the airport was in the interest and wellbeing of Nigerians.
Responding to the Minister’s briefing, the Senate expressed reservations over the cost implication of routing both international and local flights to Kaduna State. Many lawmakers also articulated dismay over the Ministry for failing to consult with the Senate Committee on Aviation and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in its decision making process. The Senate was also of the view that the proposed closure of the airport by the Federal Government was not economically convenient.
Consequently, the Senate resolved to hold another Ministerial briefing on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 where Sen. Sirika as well as other Ministers who were absent would provide detailed information on the budget allocated for re-routing the airport to Kaduna.
It is noteworthy that the House of Representatives also unanimously adopted a motion to halt the planned closure of the Abuja International airport at its plenary session on the basis of the economic and security hardship that would be posed on local and international travellers by the intended closure. The House also mandated its Committee on Aviation to ensure that the Ministry halts the planned closure. The Committee is expected to report back its findings within two (2) weeks for further legislative action.
