Rep urges FG to reopen Enugu airport, others to international flights

Obinwannem News Rep urges FG to reopen Enugu airport, others to international flights

House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to reopen the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, and the remaining international air facilities to international flight operations.

The Deputy Minority Leader of House members, Mr. Toby Okechukwu, in a statement on Sunday, said such step had become most expedient ahead of the Yuletide season when Nigerians visit their homes from every part of the world.

The lawmaker noted that multiple stopovers expose people to more risks than a direct flight to their destinations during a pandemic.

The lawmaker, who represents Aninri /Awgu/ Oji River Federal Constituency, stressed that the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 and the NCAA, working with other relevant agencies were in a position to take necessary steps to restore full international operations by such airports.

He said, “the Christmas and New Year season is the period our international airports are most socially and economically relevant to both Nigerians at home and in the diasporas.

“The opportunity costs of keeping these airports shut from international operations can be quite high, ranging from a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 through multiple stopovers to the issues of more man-hours, security risks, and auto crashes associated with compelling more people than necessary to travel by road.

“There are no particular health risks peculiar that should warrant the continued restriction of any international air facility from full operations at this time.

“The PTF and Ministry of Aviation should, therefore, do all that is necessary to ensure that this is achieved so that Nigerians will not have to suffer unnecessarily.

“Enough provisions have also been made in the budget. And, in any case, they can always approach the parliament should they need more support, as we are always ready to assist.”

Nwada Ugochinyere Onyechere reporting, Obinwannem News

leave a reply

WP Radio
WP Radio
OFFLINE LIVE