The Senate has kicked against the planned closure of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja for six (6) weeks by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). While moving the motion at the plenary session of January 10th 2017, Sen. Hope Uzodinma (PDP: Imo West) expressed concern over the complete closure of the airport stating that it would impact negatively on international trade and related activities.
Sen. Uzodinma also explained that the diversion of flights from Abuja airport to Kaduna during the period was inadequate and could endanger the lives and properties of international and local travelers who will be forced to travel by road despite security challenges within the State. He also noted that major repairs have been carried out in the past without closure of the airport and advised that other options that can avert the planned closure should be explored.
The Senate consequently resolved to invite the Ministers of Transportation, Aviation, Works, Power and Housing and FCT, the Chief of Air staff and the Managing Director, FAAN and Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) within two (2) days to provide options that can forestall the total closure of the Airport.
Other co-sponsors of the motion are Sen. Ike Ekweremadu (PDP: Enugu West), Sen. Abdullahi Gumel (APC: Jigawa North-West); Sen. Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai (APC: Borno-Central), Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP: Abia South) and Sen. Fatima Rasak (PDP: Ekiti Central).
