Fidelia Okafor.

Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika is to engage industry stakeholders on issues arising from the proposed closure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Nigerian government is to temporarily shut down the airport for repairs on the runway.
According to the Minister, the Stakeholders Forum will afford him the opportunity to officially inform sector players of the decision.

He will also brief them on efforts being made to ensure that the use of the Kaduna International Airport, during the six-week closure of the Abuja Airport, is seamless and hitch-free.

Senator Sirika said stakeholders were expected to make their contributions aimed at making their operations during the period less problematic.

The minister says the Government is aware of the likely high level of discomfort and inconvenience the proposed closure of the airport would cause air transport passengers, airline operators and other service providers, but explained that the decision was informed by safety and security concerns, saying that government would rather lose billions of dollars in revenue than risk lives.

The Minister also announced that the Ministry would  invite other Ministries, Departments and Agencies and organisations, including Security agencies, the Kaduna state government, the Media and others that are expected to play role during the six-week period.

The Minister had revealed government plans to shut down the Abuja Airport during an unscheduled visit to monitor operations during the Christmas period.

Source: Agencies