Covid-19: FG May Close All International Airports

By Uche Mbah

Federal government may close all International airports to limit the possibility of spread of the dreaded corona virus by returnees to the Country, disclosed the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika. Already three International Airports with lower patronage-ironically-has already been closed down. Akanu Ibiam international Airport has been announced as closed down because of the disease, even though it had been closed for months to effect runway repairs. it was expected to be opened before Easter.

Other closed ones are the Port Harcourt Airport and Amino Kano International Airport.

But the Minister of Aviation said that the Lagos and Abuja Airports may be closed down, though it has not been officially recommended by the committee overseeing the monitoring of the spread of Covid-19, headed by the secretary to the state government, Boss Mustapha. Mustapha is a Lawyer and does not appear to have any experience in handling infectious diseases and pandemics.

Sirika is a member of the committee.

Asked by reporters whether the committee recommended the close down of the airports, he said that he is not speaking for the committee but in his personal capacity. According to him, some may think it is not necessary but he thinks differently.

“Well I think differently, this is my individual perspective. At some points, these airports must be closed. This is my opinion. But like I said, there is Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 of which I am a member,” he said.

“But certainly and definitely at some point, these airports must be closed (Abuja and Lagos), all of them in Nigeria will be closed. I think it is the safest thing to do because these things multiply exponentially.

“But for a better brief, I think we have the forum, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, they will come up with a statement. But I can guarantee you that, sooner than later the airports will be be closed. We would close down these airports and we would issue the necessary notices to airmen as to what time they would be closed.

“I think it will be very soon. It is better safe than sorry and I think in my opinion, this is my personal opinion, if you want to catch a fish empty the water.”