The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji says the reopening of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport to air traffiç will boost the economy of the South East Region.
Nnaji stated this while responding to questions from journalists on the sideline during the reopening ceremony of the airport at the weekend.
The lawmaker who did not hide his joy for the completion of the reconstruction of the runway and reopening of the airport to flight operations after one year of its closure said he was excited that Akanu Ibiam International Airport has come alive again with better facilities.
He said, “the event of today will bring a lot of relief to the people of the entire South East and other neighbouring States like Cross river, Kogi and Benue who make use of the airport.
“The closure of the airport in the last one year has affected the economy of the southeast and l believe with the recommencement of flight operations, commercial activities will pick up again and am happy the Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika had assured that he would give approval for more international airliness to come to Enugu “.
Nnaji who represents Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency of Enugu State in the House of Representatives commended President Mohammadu Buhari for approving the fund for the project in the first place and the Minister of Aviation for keeping to his promise of delivering the airport with better modern facilities.
He added that with the on going installation of airfield lightening systems and the construction of the international and cargo terminals, the airport will be one of the bests in the country.
The House Committee Chair,also applauded the Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the supports he gave towards the realisation of the project and the entire Governors of the South East as well as the leadership of Ohaneze ndigbe for their commitments and steadfastness.
He equally acknowledged the supports of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Assembly members, the Chairman Senate Committee on Aviation,Senator Smart Adeyemi, members of the House Committee on Aviation, as well as the South East caucus in the Federal House of Representatives.
Nnaji equally praised the tenacity and dedication of the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN), Captain Rabiu Yadudu and his management team including all the heads of agencies in the aviation sector all of whom worked as a team to ensure quality delivery of the project.
