By Uche Mbah
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday approved the sum of N10 billion Naira for the rehabilitation of Akanu Ibiam International airport, Enugu, saying he had to do that despite competing projects that are meant for his attention.
Federal government had closed the Airport following security concerns, but faced criticism for not being ready for the rehabilitation before closing down the Airport.
Since the Closure, no sign of activities have been noticed at the airport., raising fears that it may not be ready before the Christmas rush by travelers. Untold hardship has been meted on travelers who had to pass through either Port Harcourt or Owerri if they must travel by air.
With opposition accusing the presidency of deliberately stalling the rehabilitation because they are paving the way for the airport downgrade, Eastern governors and leaders Thursday met with the president with the Airport as a major item on the agenda. At the end of the meeting, Presidnet Buhari approved the said amount.
“I have approved the sum of Ten Billion Naira for an Intervention fund for the upgrade of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. I have assurance of Minister of Aviation that the work will be done speedily and to the highest standards.
Even as we have limited resources, we will continue to prioritize infrastructure in every part of the country. It is our responsibility to ensure Nigeria’s infrastructure is fixed. We will keep doing this”, Buhari said. He, however, did not give a time frame for the project to be completed.
During the renovation of Abuja Airport, a time frame was given.
The minister of Aviation, Haddi Sirika, recently said he has requested for a N10 billion intervention fund for the rehabilitation of the airport. Apparently, it took the meeting of the governors for Buhari to approve the request.
“We are here to kindly urge Mr. President to approve special fund for the Akanu Ibiam Airport just like what was done for Abuja Airport”, spokesperson for the governors, Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state told reporters before going into the closed door meeting with the president.
No contractor has been mobilized to site, and there are indications that the aviation Ministry is only about to scout for contractors. The contract awarding protocol may take time.
Umahi also said they talked about the deplorable condition of Federal roads in the South east.
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state was not present at the meeting.
