Fresh condemnations have trailed the sudden closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had announced that there is a significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway that requires emergency repairs.
FAAN, in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah, stated that the repairs will be conducted on that portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025.
FAAN, however, added that all flights to the airport will be diverted to nearby airports.
The statement reads: “There is a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway. Hence, emergency repairs will be conducted on that portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025.
“In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period.
“As part of FAAN’s commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities, the runway will not be open for landings or takeoffs during the rehabilitation period.
“FAAN appeals to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time. All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports.”
It apologised for the late and unexpected notice regarding the closure.
The development came amid alleged plans to concession the airport for 80 years, whereas other airports are set for 20-year concessioning, an allegation the Federal Government has denied.
However, in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said it was unjust for the FAAN to shut the airport without giving adequate notice to the users.
Okwu said, “to make the matter worse, it came during the festive period, as though Ndigbo, who are known to be regular travelers during this period, are the targets.
“Did the airport runway suddenly develop a fault? We are aware that airlines have been complaining about this, but the government waited till the Easter period to hastily shut down the airport, throwing our people into confusion.
“This is not the first time Ndigbo are being subjected to this cruel treatment. The last time the runway was re-asphalted, it was also shut down during the Easter period.
“However, what makes the present case worse is the lack of notice.
“The cruel and degrading treatment of the affairs of Ndigbo in Nigeria should stop.
“We know for sure that this cannot happen in Lagos, Abuja or Kano airports. Why also Ndigbo?” Okwu queried.
The Ohanaeze Youths President urged the government to ensure that the rehabilitation is carried out and completed on the stipulated date.
He also said the explanations offered by Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo on the concessioning of the airport was not clear enough.
According to him, “the minister merely painted words without saying anything concrete.
“He said the process is still on; we want to hear- how many years are there in the pipeline for the concessioning. If it is not 80 years, how many years are they proposing?
“We want to make it clear that we are not going to accept anything different from what shall be obtained from other airports.”
Meanwhile, a legal luminary, Prof Joy Ezeilo also lamented the abrupt closure of the Enugu airport.
While bemoaning the situation, Ezeilo wrote on her social media page:
“The recent closure of Enugu Airport for emergency repairs from April 22 to May 6, just a few years after extensive runway reconstruction, highlights serious issues in Nigeria, namely corruption and a lack of accountability.
“This has reignited frustrations of nearly a year of inconvenience, when travellers were forced to use Owerri to fly in and out of Enugu. Now, history seems to be repeating itself.
“Air Peace is now rerouting its Enugu passengers to Asaba, raising questions about our options. Why Asaba and not Anambra or Owerri airports? Do we have a choice in this?
“I recall that even the Enugu airport terminal's roof collapsed just a year after construction, further emphasising the poor quality of public works.
“This situation calls for an investigation and accountability, underscoring the urgent need for reform in public projects for sustainable development and our collective safety.”
It could be recalled that Keyamo described reports in some sections of the media about the concessioning of Enugu airport as unfounded and untrue.
Although the Minister didn’t specify the duration of the planned concessioning, he said, “Our attention has been drawn to certain online reports/stories suggesting that a certain lengthy period of concession has been agreed upon regarding the Enugu International Airport. These reports/stories are utterly baseless and untrue.
“At this stage, prospective concessionaires have indeed submitted various proposals, including different durations for the concession.
“It is important to emphasise that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has not established any fixed duration.
“All submitted proposals are currently undergoing thorough evaluation that will eventually be reviewed by the ICRC before it is presented to the Minister for conveyance to FEC for approval. We can confirm that this review process has not been concluded.”