NAN-H-14
Infrastructure
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, Jan. 25, 2017 (NAN) Mr Isaac Balami, President, National Association of Aircraft Pilot and Engineers (NAAPE), has advised the Federal Government to be proactive in the provision and maintenance of airport infrastructure.
Balami told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday that it was wrong for the government to be reactive to failure of airport infrastructure.
He said that the failure of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport runway was a fall-out of negligence and lack of responsiveness by the government towards addressing the issue of maintenance.
According to him, it is also important that we have a maintenance plan and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should ensure strict adherence to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety standard.
“Not just in Abuja, but Lagos, Kano, Warri, and Port Harcourt airports should be properly maintained to avoid a repetition of what has happened to Abuja airport.
“We should stop being a reactive people, we should be predictive, we should plan and be prepared and proactive, this reactive thing will not help us and this is what is happening now.
“All over the country, it is a national culture because, even our health and educational sector are worse than Abuja runway and this is a national challenge. ”
Balami said that it was obvious that the closure of Abuja airport for six weeks was the only option available considering the stances and presentations of experts including Julius Berger Plc.
He said that in as much as the pain that would accompany such decision could not be overemphasized, “aviation is first and foremost about safety”.
According to him, it is rather unfortunate that Abuja Airport has to be closed down for runway repairs and I am sure many people are not happy about it.
“This is the nation’s capital, shutting down airport for six weeks means a lot, we have over 60 embassies present here, but the minister has said that the run was dilapidated beyond patching.
“I don’t think that it is something that the government is even happy about, neither we the workers are happy about it, but in aviation, it is safety first.
“It is better to travel by road from Lagos to Abuja than to expose them to danger in Abuja airport.
“It is our prayer that Julius Berger will keep to their words.
“Nigerians should have the grace to bear the hardship in these six weeks and we also hope that the six weeks is six weeks. ”
The NAAPE president said that Kaduna airport at present was not as big as Abuja in terms of parking of aircraft, adding that some international airlines with big aircraft might not be able to use it.
According to him, with Boeing and smaller aircraft, it is fine, but by the time you have Lufthansa, Emirate large aircraft with four or five aircraft, they will occupy too much space there.
“So, from all indications, it is obvious that it is smaller aircraft and Boeing 737 that will be going to Kaduna airport because they have 40 to 45 minutes turnaround.
“So, with proper planning, Kaduna airport can be managed within the period, “he said.
The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen Hadi Sirika, recently announced the closure of Abuja airport for six weeks from March 8 for comprehensive repair of its runway and taxi pavement.
Sirika also announced that Kaduna International Airport would be used as alternative during the period.
However, the decision has elicited reactions from critical stakeholders, the Senate and the general public either in support or against it, but the minister has maintained his stance on the closure. (NAN)
OYS/KOLE/MO
===========Edited by Remi Koleoso/Morayo Omolade