THE House of Representatives on Wednesday mandated its committee on aviation to investigate the report by the CNN that rated three Nigeria airports as among the 10 worst airports in the world.
It also directed the aviation committee to investigate how N400 billion appropriated for airport remodelling was carried out and what was the result there from it and to report back within two weeks.
The resolution, which made at the plenary, was sequel to a motion of matters of urgent importance entitled “urgent need to investigate the factors that lead to the damnable rating of our airports” sponsored by Rep Garba Datti.
According to Datti, it is amazing to know that Nigeria has some of the worst airports to travel in – in the world according the CNN global survey.
Tje lawmaker said it was more so given the huge amount of money spent on remodelling including a $1billion Chinese loan for such purpose.
He said, “We are aware that over 400 billion naira was appropriated by this House for the re-modelling of airports to international standard.
“But its surprising to hear that despite the huge investment made to remodel these airports, we still have some of the worst airports in the world according to the survey.
“Notable among these death-traps of airports are the Enugu International Airport; Port Harcourt Airport, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja the nation’s Capital.
“Another eye sore in the list of the worst airport is our own Murtala Mohammed international Airport which is the gateway to the commercial hub of this country.
“Over the last five years, over N400billion was appropriated for the expansion, modernization and management of our 17 domestic and 5 international airports.
“With the whopping funds injected into the airport upgrade project, rather than turn out to be symbols of national pride, they have become objects of condemnation.”
Rep Nnanna Igbokwe, PDP, representing Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency of Imo State, in his contribution, said, “if our key airports are being downgraded by international observers and technical team, then it should be a thing of concern for this parliament.
“We must go into finding out why monies would be spent and there are no results to show for our investment.
“Just a few days ago, two air crafts almost had a collision. A cargo plane was landing and another plane was taxing for take off and they almost collided.
“Now if the communication equipment and landing facilities at that airport were good, such communication gap wouldn’t have existed between control tower and pilots.”
Hon. Aishatu Dukku said that there were so many things that were faulty in the nation’s airports, adding that the poor state of the runways of the airports could lead to disasters.
The House adopted the motion after it was put to a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Yusuff Lasun who referred the motion to the committee on Aviation for further legislative action
