The minister of state, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika
yesterday disclosed that the Nnamdi Abuja International Airport, Abuja is to be
shut down for repairs of the runway for six weeks in February and March, 2017.
The minister disclosed this
yesterday while briefing journalists on happenings in the aviation industry at
the airport.
He said the contractor, Julius
Berger Nigeria Plc, has given a programme of work to be done which has been
approved by government.
"Because of the
centrality and significance of Abuja to the general administration of the
country and to the economy, we cannot afford to close down the airport for a
long time to do the repairs."
"As a longer term
solution, the government decided to carryout major structural repairs on the
runway which will take some time. From start to finish, it will take about six
months. However, we will be using the airport almost through the period except
for about six weeks that the runway will be closed. . But once the work is
finished, there will be a guarantee of at least 10 years" he said.
Sirika said during the period
of the closure the Kaduna airport will serve as alternative airport saying
"We have jointly had a meeting with the Kaduna state governor a couple of
days ago where we agree we will supply buses to convey the passengers to Abuja
while they will provide security within the six weeks especially for late
flights."
Sen. Sirika expressed dismay
over the hardships travellers are facing due to scarcity of aviation fuel and
assured that he is working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal
Ministry of Petroleum and the oil marketers to ensure the crisis is resolved.
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