The House of Representatives has expressed disappointment over the dilapidated state of airports in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Nnolim Nnaji, regretted that the situation has persisted over a long period of time.
He was speaking during a hearing with the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Rabiu Yadudu, in Abuja.
“We are concerned about our airports. Over a long period of time we realized the escalators and lifts are not functioning. The air-conditioning system sometimes have leakages and the scanners have problems too. This is where we are here to find out why our airports are not functioning. If it is other countries they may decide to close down the terminal buildings because of the condition. Also, people with disabilities are also complaining because they cannot even use the facilities. It is a problem.“ Nnolim said.
The committee also queried FAAN over the demolition of houses said to be on airport land in Lagos.
“Part of our concern is the demolition going on in Lagos. You know we speak for the people so whatever concerns people affects us. That is why we decided to call you to find out what is going on in Lagos. We are not against any exercise but we really want to know what is going on there,” he said.
Responding, the MD Capt Rabiu Yadudu, said that they had frequently engaged with residents of the communities located on the airport land about the dangers of staying there.
He said that in 2006 FAAN noticed encroachment on the airport land and a committee was set up to investigate to ensure the people desist.
He also said that announcements were made in the media warning people of the risk of purchasing land and building in restricted aviation land adding that the various committees set up by FAAN on the issue have always engaged the stakeholders and met severally with the residents of the estate on the danger of staying in airport land.
PIAK
