Reps seek clarification on planned closure of Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport

The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to invite the Minister of Transportation (Aviation) to explain the planned closure of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja for repairs.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion titled: “Call for a Review of the Planned Closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,” sponsored by Olufunke Adedoyin.
Moving the motion, Adedoyin faulted proposal to close the airport for six weeks commencing on March 8 to enable the ministry carry out comprehensive renovation of the runway and construct a second runway.
The ministry stated that during the period, all flights, both local and international, would be re-routed to Kaduna International Airport.
It said passengers would be conveyed to Abuja by road or rail, with security to be provided by security agencies.
The parliamentarian argued that the incumbency on the government to facilitate and ease the conduct of economic activities and travels, especially at this period of economic recession, makes it difficult to understand the rationale behind the intended closure.
According to Adedoyin, the intended closure of an airport of the capital city of the country invariably amounts to shutting down the city.
Adedoyin said: “The nation has lost an estimated $80 billion worth of foreign investments in the last two years.
“The government ought to be more concerned about facilitating the return of investments to the nation rather than taking a measure that is bound to exacerbate the situation.
“Both international and local airlines are opposed to the proposal and the nature of their reaction if the plan is carried out is yet to be determined.
“The aggregate losses to be incurred by the country to the closure cannot be quantified also.
“I wonder why there has to be a complete closure in order to repair the runway when there exists new technologies, which can be applied in such a way that the repair works can be undertaken at night over the six weeks period, while the airport remains in operation during the day.
“Construction of the terminal building have been ongoing for over five years without a completion date in sight.
“Given the experience of the Port Harcourt International Airport, which was shut down to undergo renovation for a couple of weeks, but the work lasted for over a year.
“What then is the guarantee that this particular exercise will be completed within the projected six weeks period?”
Contributing to the debate, Nnenna Ukeje, who opposed the planned closure, said it portends negative economic effect to the country.
Daniel Reyenieju suggested that the repair works be done in phases and the airport shut down only on weekends.
In his contribution, Damburam Nuhu expressed doubt if Kaduna had adequate facilities to cater for the numerous passengers.
The House Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, said that the planned closure must be guided by international best practices.
Ogor faulted the plan without consultations with stakeholders.
According to him, there should be an opportunity to look at other options.
Ogor said: “Shutting the airport down will bring international embarrassment to the nation.”
However, Abbas Tajudeen urged the House to seek expert opinions from the aviation industry to make an informed decision.