The Federal Government has approved the request of the Ebonyi State Government for the construction of a new International Airport in the State.
The Minister for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, conveyed the approval of the Federal Government in a letter to the State Governor, David Umahi.
In a letter signed by the Director Safety and Technical Policy in the Ministry, Captain T. A. Alkali, Sirika said the approval followed the visit of a Technical Team from the Ministry and its agencies to the state on inspection of the proposed site for the airport.
The letter said: “I am directed to convey the approval of the Honourable Minister of Aviation for the construction of a state-owned/financed International Airport on the inspected site.”
Sirika, however, noted that the approval is subject to the State Government’s fulfilment of certain requirements.
He listed the requirements as strict compliance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority requirements; compliance with all relevant environmental regulations, adherence to the provisions of the subsisting Civil Aviation Act 2006, Nigeria Civil Aviation Policy 2013 and other regulations that may evolve with time; and payment of statutory fees.
Others, according to the Minister, include: Issuance of Security Clearance by the Department of State Services; removal of all obstructions on the site and involvement of the Ministry and its relevant agencies at every stage of the development of the airport to ensure compliance with Standards and Recommend Practices.
The airport is to be sited in a big expanse of land at the boundary between Ezza South and Ezza North local government areas.
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