CNN report: Reps orders investigation of N400bn airports remodelling fund

dimeji akinloye

October 28, 2015 10:15 PM

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Rep Garba Datti, entitled “urgent need to investigate the factors that lead to the damnable rating of our airports”.

The House of Representatives has directed its aviation committee to carry out thorough inquiry to discover and examine the alleged embarrassing report by the CNN which rated three Nigeria airports as among the 10 worst airports in the world.

In its resolution on Wednesday, October 28, the House also gave the committee a two-week ultimatum to investigate how N400 billion appropriated for airport remodelling was spent.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Rep Garba Datti, entitled “urgent need to investigate the factors that lead to the damnable rating of our airports” .

Datti said it is disturbing that Nigeria's airports are among the worst in the world despite huge amount of money on remodelling the airports including a $1billion Chinese loan for such purpose.

He said, “We are aware that over 400billion naira was appropriated by this House for the remodelling of airports to international standard.

“But its surprising to hear that despite the huge investment made to remodel these airports, we still have some of the worst airports in the world according to the survey.

“Notable among these death-traps of airports are the Enugu International Airport; Port Harcourt. Airport, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja the nation’s Capital.

“Another eye sore in the list of the worst airport is our own Murtala Mohammed international Airport which is the gateway to the commercial hub of this country.

“Over the last five years, over N400billion was appropriated for the expansion, modernization and management of our 17 domestic and 5 international airports.

“With the whopping funds injected into the airport upgrade project, rather than turn out to be symbols of national pride, they have become objects of condemnation.”

Also speaking on the subject, Rep Nnanna Igbokwe representing Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency of Imo State said; “if our key airports are being downgraded by international observers and technical team, then it should be a thing of concern for this parliament.

“We must go into finding out why monies would be spent and there are no results to show for our investment.

“Just a few days ago, two air crafts almost had a collision. A cargo plane was landing and another plane was taxing for take off and they almost collided.

“Now if the communication equipment and landing facilities at that airport were good, such communication gap wouldn’t have existed between control tower and pilots.”

The House however adopted the motion following a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Yusuff Lasun who referred the motion to the committee on Aviation for further legislative action.

dimeji akinloye

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