Enugu Airport Needs N10 Bn To Become Operational Again – Sirika

The Minister of Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika has said that the Enugu International airport will require N10 billion to be operational again.

Sirika made this known while addressing the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation in Abuja.

He said that ”Given the money, we have a time frame of delivering the airport before Christmas; the choice is because we understand that people travel back home during the period and we want them to find a new airport on arrival.

According to him, ”We have put before government a request of N10 billion and we believe government is doing everything possible to provide the funds.
The minister said the airport was closed down because of the state of the runway and other safety concerns.

He maintained that there are some limitations in the Enugu airport which had been brought to the attention of the Governor of the state.

He said that efforts are made to address the issues and inadequacies which includes the presence of a market close to the runway.
”Because grains were being sold in the market, it attracts birds which could be ingested into the engine of the plane and cause safety concerns” he said.

The minister further said that the market and a radio mast had to be removed at the airport after along battle.

READ ALSO: FG Reveals Date For Indefinite Closure Of Enugu Airport, Gives Reason

He noted that another issue was the encroachment of the airport by indigenes, converting part of the airport residential area.
”Those were the major reasons for the closure of the airport to avert air accidents in the airport” he said.

He, however, revealed that the design for a new runway had been done and that the procurement plan was ongoing awaiting approval.

”The Enugu International Airport is extremely important for us at the ministry as it is International and it is considered when Nigeria is being scored for security and safety” he said.