By; Bala B. Bitrus, Minna.
While the leadership of the Nigerian National Assembly is not disposed to the idea of using the Kaduna International Airport as alternate Airport in place of the Nmamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja which is slated to be closed for repairs and upgrade in March this year, Senate President, Bukola Saraki has mooted the idea that the Senate may consider the use of the Minna Airport as alternate airport to the Airport in Abuja.
The Senate President who was in Minna on condolence on Monday told newsmen shortly before departing Minna for Abuja through the Minna Airport that the Senate will see to the functionality of the Minna Airport to justify its construction over twenty years ago.
The Minna Airport has one of the longest runways amongst Airports in Nigeria and it was constructed to serve as alternate Airport to the Abuja Airport being the closest to Abuja
The Minna Airport which has been largely dormant, was listed amongst national Airports to be renovated by the Jonathan led administration. But work on the project at both the arrival and departure wings of the airport which had gone about halfway was stalled due to none release of funds.
The Senate President however noted that due to the proximity of the Minna Airport to Abuja and because of it’s standard runway, the lot may fall on the Minna Airport as an alternate to the Abuja Airport.
He maintained that with the level of renovation work done on the Airport and the unique features of the airport, the Senate will not allow the facility to remain dormant.
“We have seen the airport and we have discussed it. With it’s standard and conducive runway and it’s closeness to Abuja, i don’t think it is prudent to leave it in it’s present state. We cannot allow it to remain in this sorry state” he said.
He tasked the federal Lawmakers from Niger state to sponsor a bill on the Airport at the National Assembly.“The Senators from this state will table it on the floor of the Senate and we shall look into it. We shall ensure that we bring the airport to international standard,” the Senate President assured.
The airport has for over 15 years served for the annual airlifting of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. At some times in the past, the airport was used by commercial aircrafts on chartered flights and weekly schedules.
