International Terminal Built In The South-East Nigeria Will Be Commissioned In 2016, Says Aviation Minister

The Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, disclosed that the federal government will commission the international terminal built in the South East in 2016. He said this while receiving a delegation of the South East Progressive Forum (SEPF) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Sirika promised that he would look into the conditions of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri and the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu and effect necessary repairs as soon as possible. He further called for all hands to be put together to allow aviation in the South – East Zone to be well catered to as well as promote trade and commerce. He added that aviation is key to the development of Eastern Nigeria as the area is landlocked.

The Minister assured the delegation that the lighting equipment at the airports will be put in place as he cannot understand why airplanes would not land at the airports because of poor visibility. He intensified that partnership with the South – East Progressive Forum was important as no one can ignore the South – East, if desired change in aviation and the Government should be achieved.

Speaking at the Occasion, Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi congratulated the Minister on his appointment, and said that the forum was made up of politicians, technocrats, community leaders and businessmen and women with representation from all the wards in all the Local Government Areas in South East Nigeria.

Amadi Nnaemeka informed that the focus of the forum was see to the development and progress of the South East region and Nigeria as a whole. He added that the forum has keyed into the Buhari’s Administration vision for a new Nigeria and has worked to promote the need for partnership and unity in making sure that his vision for transparency and accountability in the management of the affairs of the nation come to fruition.

He further revealed the forum’s belief that the Minister’s vision for the growth of Nigeria is in line with what the forum stands for. He conveyed the South East Progressive Forum Chairman’s commendation to the Government for the airports in the South East, saying the international status of the airports in the zone require a lot more facilities. According to him, the runway at the International Airport in Enugu was in urgent need of repairs as it was constructed few years ago, and now has potholes and patched portions on it.

He also appealed to the Government to make the status of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport which is only in words a reality and look into the lightings at the airports. He further pledged the support of the forum to the Minister and the Administration, the forum as a group is ready to partner with him, support him in whatever way he requires to make sure that the two airports in the South East Zone are working optimally.

In a related development, the Minister received a delegation from the Ahmadu Bello University Student Union Government (ABUSUG Alumni) in his office. The team which was led by its National Coordinator, Eragbe Anslem Aphimia (Comrade) hinted that it was there to congratulate the Minister on his appointment and to wish him God’s speedy and divine guidance in the discharge of his responsibilities to the nation.

Eragbe Aphimia disclosed that the ABUSUG Comrade Alumni comprises of all the past Student Union Government leaders in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria under the parent body of the ABU Alumni Association and Labour leaders in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

He stressed that the coming of the team was also to present to the Minister, the details of the organisation’s proposed national development strategy in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s ‘Change Mantra’ for national economic renaissance. He emphasized that this was based on the need for national economic diversification and job creation christened: “Repositioning Nigeria for Economic Diversification and Job Creation 2016-2020 with Impact and Manifestation,” for onward transmission to the President.

The Minister while appreciating the visit commended their efforts and promised that the document presented to him will be delivered directly to the President. He avowed that he will be open to viable contribution at all times.

[Federal Ministry of Aviation Report]