…We are not shutting Embassy-British Envoy
…It will be shut between March 8 to April 19-Sirika
The Federal Government of Nigeria has said that the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja runway needs to be shut for the period of six weeks in order for it not shut itself. The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika said: “if nothing is done or the runway is maintained in the manner which it is being handled at the moment, it will shut itself without announcement just like the Port Harcourt Airport did sometimes ago for years before it was reopened. We do not want the same situation with the Abuja Airport hence the need to shut it for 6 weeks.” The minister made the statement at the Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Abuja yesterday.
“The runway at Abuja constructed in 1982 has exceeded its design lifespan of twenty (20) years, which accounts for a number of distressed and failed portions. This situation has reduced the riding quality and safety margin in operating into this airport. The continued deterioration of this facility will eventually make operations unsafe. There is therefore the need to carry out urgent repairs and resurfacing of the existing runway.”-Sirika explained.
British Envoy while reacting debunks insinuations that the British Embassy will shut its offices and leave the country as a result of the Abuja airport runway shut. “We are not packing our load and also take our staff and leave the country as a result of the Abuja Airport runway closure.”- Deputy British High Commissioner, Ms. Harriet Thompson said.
According to the minister, the Abuja airport will be shut from the midnight of March 8 and opened April 19.
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