Ohanaeze youths knock FG over closure of Enugu airport, concession plan

Fresh condemnation has 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 added that all flights to the airport will be diverted to nearby airports.

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.”

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