The task force set up by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for the disposal of abandoned aircraft in all our airports has commenced work, beginning with aircraft abandoned at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
Several aircraft belonging to different airlines are lying dormant at the local wing of MMA, with some having been abandoned for about 10 years.
The aircraft model ranges from Fokker 28, Embraer 100 to Boeing 727 and 737, occupying over two acres of land.
The Chairman of the task force, Captain Henry Omeogu, who is also the Director of Airport Operation, said: “For a long time, we asked owners of abandoned aircraft to take them away, but the people have refused to do the right thing.”
The task force, which main task is to remove all abandoned aircraft at all FAAN-controlled airport nationwide started formally after several public notice by the Authority yielded no positive results.
Omeogu said that the abandoned aircraft constituted serious security risk by virtue of their location within the airport premises.
He said contractors hired to remove the aircraft have started preliminary work, and all affected persons have been given one week to remove them or face evacuation.
According to Umeogu: “The transformation agenda as set out by President Goodluck Jonathan and being championed by the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, is set out to make a mark.”
The Task force has set in motion plans to extend the operations to other airports, including Abuja, Owerri and Kano.
With the removal of the abandoned aircraft, FAAN is set to ensure greater safety in all the country’s airports.
Other members of the task force include the Directors of Legal Services, Mark Jacobs; and Maintenance Engineering, Olufemi Ogunode; and other key officers of the Authority.
Trending
- Ned Nwoko advises FG, CBN against short cut to naira appreciation
- Experts meet in Akure on Tinubu’s economic policies
- NANTA elects new president, other executives
- LG polls: Ibadan residents defy movement restriction order, security agents desert streets
- Oyo LG polls: Voters calmly await arrival of late officials
- Anambra: Police ready to honour retiring CP Adeoye
- BBNaija star graduates with distinction from US aeronautical varsity
- As Elegushi marks 14 years on the throne, by Temitope Oyefeso