The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Mr Nnolim Nnaji, has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for approving a N10 billion intervention fund for the rehabilitation of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
Nnaji applauded Buhari’s approval in a statement issued on Friday and obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Buhari had on Thursday approved the funds for the rehabilitation of the airport’s runway and upgrade of the facilities to international standard, following its closure on Aug. 24.
Nnaji said that the airport was critical to the people of South East and its environs, because it was the only international gateway serving the entire region.
The lawmaker representing Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency, Enugu State, thanked the members of the lower chamber for supporting the motion regarding the airport, which was moved by the South East caucus.
He said that the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika had kept his promise to the committee that he would work assiduously to ensure the release of funds for the project, adding that what was now left was for prompt delivery.
Nnaji said: “I am confident that the minister will perform the feat judging from the speed with which he delivered on the Abuja Airport.
“Also, the aviation committee, by the mandate of the House of Representatives, will work with the authorities to monitor the progress of the job once the contractor mobilises to site.”
He expressed optimism that the attention given to the Enugu Airport would be extended to other airports across the country in need of urgent intervention.
