Government of Nigeria has approved the request for the construction of a new International Airport in Ebonyi State, following a request by Governor David Umahi. The Minister for Aviation, Hadi Sirika conveyed the approval in a letter to Governor Umahi which was signed by the Director Safety and Technical Policy, Capt. T A Alkali on behalf of the Ministry. The Minister said the approval followed the visit of a Technical team from the ministry and its agencies to the state on inspection of the proposed site for the airport.
The Minister said “I am directed to convey approval of the Honourable Minister of Aviation for the construction of a state owned/financed International Airport on the inspected site.” The Minister however noted that the approval was subject to the State Government’s fulfillment of certain requirements. Some of the requirements include, strict compliance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority requirements; compliance with all relevant environmental regulations, adherence to the provisions of the subsisting Civil Aviation Act 2006, Nigeria Civil Aviation Policy 2013 and other regulations that may evolve with time; and payment of statutory fees.
Other requirements according to the Minister include: Issuance of Security Clearance from the Department of State Services (DSS); removal of all obstructions on the site and involvement of the Ministry and its relevant agencies at every stage of the development of the airport to ensure compliance with Standards and Recommend Practices (SARPs).
The governor through his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor said “With the approval all is now set for the smooth take-off of the construction of the airport. “The airport is to be sited in a big expanse of land at the boundary between Ezza South and Ezza North local government areas.” Ripples
Pix: Ebonyi state governor, Dave Umahi
