AKANU IBIAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REOPENING: NZUKO UMUNNA HAILS BUHARI, SIRIKA, GOVS
PRESS STATEMENT
1. Nzuko Umunna is highly delighted at the reopening of the Akanu Ibiam
International Airport which was shut for reconstruction on August 24,
2019.
2. We note that the reopening of the airport is indeed auspicious, as it
will ameliorate the hardships hitherto faced by both local and
international travellers and foster the ease of doing business. This is
moreso as the airport is the traditional gateway to the Eastern
heartland.
3. We commend the quality of work at the airport which has been adjudged
by experts as being of international standard. We also note the
construction of facilities which had hitherto been lacking at the
airport facility such as perimeter fencing and air field lighting for
day and night operations. These facilities are bound to improve safety
and security at the airport.
4. Nzuko Umunna commends President Muhammadu Buhari for the speedy
approval of N10 Billion for the project. We also thank the Minister of
Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika for his zealous commitment to the runway
reconstruction effort which made the reopening a reality.
5. We must thank the Managing Director & Chief Executive of Federal
Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu for
his hands-on oversight of the day-to-day construction as well as his
counterpart at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Capt.
Fola Akinkuotu for ensuring seamless installation of brand new
instrument landing systems at the airport.
6. The Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji
went beyond the call of duty in ensuring the timely completion of the
project. The role played by other National Assembly members cannot be
forgotten in a hurry. It is equally noteworthy that the Minister of
Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige and his Science and
Technology counterpart, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu visited the airport to inspect
the reconstruction. We commend them for their efforts.
7. There is no gainsaying that the South East Governors under the aegis
of the South East Governors Forum (SEGF) – ably led by Ebonyi State
Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi – played a pivotal role in making the
reconstruction and rehabilitation effort a reality. Also worthy of
special mention is Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi whose
uncommon commitment to the project was in bold relief.
8. The synergy between the SEGF and Ohanaeze Ndigbo ably led by Dr. Nnia
Nwodo in delivering the project is a veritable template that should be
cemented for greater development.
9. It is instructive that Nzuko Umunna played a critical role in the
design and construction effort. Not only was our “Nzuko Umunna Enugu
Airport Intervention Committee” embraced by the South East Governors
Forum in driving the project, the Forum graciously appointed our highly
respected Chairman of our committee, Engr. Chris Okoye as Chairman of
the “South East Governors Forum Akanu Ibiam International Airport
Rehabilitation/Palliative Committee.” While thanking the SEGF for this
groundbreaking partnership which has wrought the success that we all
celebrate today, we must especially thank Engr. Okoye and other members
of the committees for their immense and selfless sacrifice towards
berthing the reconstruction exercise.
10. We also commend all other stakeholders that made this reopening a
reality, while urging the Federal Government to apply the same level of
commitment and resources towards the international terminal and
international cargo terminal slated for completion by CCECC at the end
of the year.
SIGNED
Ngozi Odumuko
Coordinator
Paschal Mbanefo
Secretary
