The Enugu State Government has directed officials of Enugu East Local Government Council to find a suitable site for the relocation of Orie Emene Market.
The Commissioner for Information, Ogbuagu Anikwe, disclosed this on Saturday while briefing newsmen in Enugu.
Anikwe said the directive followed the immediate closure of the market over concerns by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.
The FAAN had threatened to either close down the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu or withdraw its international status.
The Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika, had during the 6th Stakeholders Forum held in Lagos on Friday complained about the presence of the market close to the airport, which he said attracted birds.
Sirika was quoted as saying the presence of birds, which causes constant bird strikes, and the wrong placement of the state radio mast directly facing the runway posed security and safety challenges to the airport.
The Minister also complained about the runway of the airport.
However, the state government shortly after the news moved swiftly to announce the immediate closure of the market and the adjoining abattoir.
The commissioner said the state government also ordered the immediate removal of illegal structures that encroached on the land of the airport.
He said the move was to ensure the safety of air travelers and people residing around the airport.
“The State Executive Council directs the LGA chairman to effect immediate closure of the market,” he said.
Anikwe recalled that the Enugu State Executive Xouncil had on October 12, 2018 approved funds for the relocation of the Enugu State Broadcast Service mast on the approach of the runway.