By Uche Mbah
Weeks after the Minister of Aviation indicated that the current Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, will be pulled down to give way for the new terminal, the Federal Airports Authority has announced the closure of Gate 1 Apron and some taxiways at the Tarmac. This, according to them is to enable the Chinese Construction company to complete linkage of the new Apron with the Terminal.
Recall that the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, had hinted on pulling down the old terminal to give way for the new. Though Sirika is no longer the Minister of Aviation, it is likely that he may return to the Ministry or at least play a major role in selecting his own replacement.
Sirika allegedly belongs to the few powerful people within the Presidency who run the country by proxy, and is said to be seriously involved in the current selection of new ministers.
In a release by FAAN signed by Henrietha Yakubu, FAAN image Maker, and made available to This Magazine, FAAN said they have developed procedures for human and vehicular movement within the Apron. Below is the full text of the release.
FAAN TO CLOSE MMIA APRON GATE 1 FOR 6 WEEKS.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria hereby notifies airlines, airport users and the general public that effective Friday June 7, 2019, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s Apron Gate 1 and some sections of Taxiway F would be closed to human and vehicular traffic for six weeks.
This closure is to enable the contractor handling the construction of the new terminal (China Civil Construction Company) link the proposed apron under construction to the existing one.
To maintain orderliness and ensure safety of operators while the project would last, the Authority has developed and deployed specific procedures for vehicular movements and officers of the Aviation Security department have been mobilized to ensure compliance.
The Authority will like to solicit the understanding and cooperation of all concerned towards ensuring a safe airside for aircraft movement and personnel safety during the construction.
FAAN… Committed to her core values of Safety, Security and Comfort.
Henrietta Yakubu (Mrs.)
General Manager, Corporate Affairs
