Sirika reveals what it cost FG for Rehabilitation of Akanu Ibiam Airport

Following the resumption of flight operations at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, said that domestic flights will commence immediately, while international flights would follow suit on September 5.

Giving further details, the minister said that the rehabilitation of the airport had cost N10 billion.

Sirika said that the completion of the project serves as a testament to the dedication of President Muhammadu Buhari to the development of infrastructure in the country.

The minister said, “It is a great pleasure for me to be in Enugu for this August occasion in the mount of August for the reopening of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu for flight operations.

“The local flight can come to start from today and the international flight on Sept. 5, once the COVID-19 Presidential Task Force has opened the gate to come in.

“We are proud to say that this project is indeed a testimony to Mr President’s commitment to infrastructure development in the country.

“You may recall that the runway of this essential airport, which is vital to economic development of the region and the whole country at large, was in a very dilapidated stage and worse condition.

“This raised serious safety concern. It was on this basis that I approached President Muhammadu Buhari on the urgent need to reconstruct the runway and other associated works,” he said.

Sirika said that during renovation, a few challenges hindered the progress of the work as a lack of bitumen, the lockdown necessitated by coronavirus, among other factors.

He said, “Some of the challenges encountered include, lack of bitumen, COVID-19 lockdown, and even change of hands of the company handling the project, removing of abattoir and radio masks, among others.”