Chinedu Eze
10 November 2009
Lagos — Minister of Aviation, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba, has said the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has kicked off a developmental programme that would ensure that there is safety and security of lives and property at the airports, especially as the Yuletide approaches.
The Minister who spoke during the re-opening of the rehabilitated Kaduna Airport runway on Thursday said the parastatal under his watch, had a mandate to make airports in the country safe and secure.
Omotoba had noted that the runway was not up to par during his earlier visit for inspection prior to the commencement of the Hajj operations.
"About two and half months ago, when I came to inspect this airport in preparation for 2009 Hajj, it became clear to us that for us to have a successful Hajj this year, as well as several years more, we need to do major repairs of the runway".
He assured the flying public that the quality of the work done will last for the next ten years without any need for further repairs since the quality of work could withstand the test of time.
The agency, he said, is making efforts to improve facilities at other airports with the overall aim of ensuring improved passenger facilitation and security of the passengers.
It will be recalled the runway was closed at the beginning of October, this year to allow for partial resurfacing of its middle stretch, covering a distance of about 20 metres.
The re-opening of the runway marked the beginning of the airlift of pilgrims for the annual Hajj pilgrimage at the airport.
FAAN said that the airport is a major point of departure for this year's Hajj operation, with about 9,721 pilgrims from three states: Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue who are already being airlifted in batches.
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