Minister to meet stakeholders tomorrow over planned closure of NAIA Abuja
In other to put logistics in place and reduce challenges expected from the planned closure of Abuja airport for rehabilitation works, the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika is to engage the Industry Stakeholders on issues arising from the proposed closure Thursday in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the ministry, James Odaudu, the minister stated that the stakeholders forum will afford him the opportunity to officially inform the sector players of the decision, and also brief them on efforts being made to ensure that the use of the Kaduna International Airport as an alternate during the six-week closure of the Abuja Airport is seamless and hitch-free.
However, another option on the table may be Minna International Airport just as the Niger State Government has expressed the readiness of the state to facilitate the use of the airport as a substitute.
But the Minister the meeting will provide avenue for stakeholders to harmonise views on the best options.
He said 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.
Other key MDAs expected at the meeting include Security agencies, the Kaduna state government, the Media and others that are expected to play roles during the Six-Week period.
