By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja – The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, had commended the Federal Government for the timely reopening of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after its runway rehabilitation.
Ogbe, who arrived the airport aboard Medview flight on Wednesday, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the government had demonstrated that it was committed to addressing infrastructure challenges in the country.
He said the timely completion of the runway rehabilitation and reopening of the airport ahead of schedule was a big relief to all Nigerians and traveling public.
The minister also commended the Ministries of Transportation, Power, Works and Housing, as well as the security agencies for ensuring safe and smooth operation at Kaduna airport during the six weeks period.
“We thank the President and the ministries of Transportation, Aviation, Works and Housing, the Police, the Army for all they did.
“Including those in Kaduna who made sure that even though it was tough going to Kaduna to board a flight, everything happened and there was no incident.
“We also thank God that we did not wait for the disaster to happen before we take the action we took and I think Nigeria will be safer for it,’’ he said.
Ogbe said that even though the economy was recovering slowly, there was need for a second runway as well as developing alternative airports in the nearby states as backup.
He commended the Nigerian people for their patience during the six week closure of the airport, saying, “it was not convenient but they showed understanding with government and we are happy we have got to the end now’’.
According to him, the Ministry of Agriculture is running a joint programme with some state governments to develop cargo airport for export of perishable agro products.
“Our job is to grow food and exportable foods, especially perishables which can be transported by air and we are working on that.
“Especially in the areas of fruits and there is some demand for Nigerian livestock abroad, all that is what we are planning together now,’’ he said.
Similarly, Dakuku Peterside, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said the timely completion of the runway project was an indication that things were changing for good in Nigeria.
Perterside said that even though Kaduna was neither a bad experience nor the best experience, he felt proud that Abuja airport had been reopened.
He urged the government to make the second runway a priority for the airport, saying it is achievable if there is the commitment and the right vision.
According to him, the whole airport, not just the runway needs an overhaul, there is an urgent need to upgrade this airport.
“I feel proud to be Nigerian at this point that things are changing in our country.
“Many years ago, if government says six weeks, you will multiply that by another six and you will know that it will take at least 36 weeks before the airport can be reopened.
“It shows that when men of integrity run government, you will experience a lot of difference and this is the kind of thing you get and so we are happy that we can now fly back to Abuja without going through Kaduna.
“I feel good flying to Abuja through this airport and I know that so many Nigerians equally feel good,’’ he said.