President Muhammadu Buhari, Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika and the governors of the south east have been commended for the successful re-opening of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport on Sunday, August 30, 2020.
The Federal Government shut the airport for one year over safety concerns and to enable repairs and extension of the runway.
The group, Igbo think-tank Nzuko Umunna, in a statement on Sunday, praised the collaborating entities for the quality of work at the airport, saying experts had judged it as meeting international standards.
“We also note the construction of facilities which had hitherto been lacking at the airport facility such as perimeter fencing and airfield lighting for day and night operations. These facilities are bound to improve safety and security at the airport.”
The group thumbed-up Buhari for the release of N10billion that enabled the repairs, Sirika for his commitment to the work at the airport and to the heads of aviation agencies who played various roles – particularly, 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 the seamless installation of brand new instrument landing systems at the airport”.
Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Rep Nnolim Nnaji also got plaudits for going “beyond the call of duty in ensuring the timely completion of the project”. Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige and that of Science & Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu were not left tout.
“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,” the group said.
