Nigeria’s Minister for Aviation, Sen. Sirika Hadi, has disclosed that The Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu ought be completed by August of 2020.

The Akanu Ibiam International Airport, which is located in the heart of Enugu, has been under refurbishment. Its runway particularly has been undergoing rehabilitation since the airport was sealed on August 24, 2019.

The Honorable Minister made this known to the Media, on Tuesday , right after an oversight function carried out in the Afore mentioned airpot, in Enugu.

In his Speech, he expressed his immense satisfaction with the quality of the ongoing construction works in the Airport. Hopefully, it will be at international standards post completion.

According to the minister “

“The federal government wanted to make a very quick intervention in this procurement, to ensure that this once dilapidated runway was completely rehabilitated for safety”, regretting that the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) hindered the progress of work, as “the workers took to their heels to ensure they remain safe”.

Continuing, he said “we are back to site and we have made tremendous progress. What is left is little. We have completed about 90-95 percent of the job (pavement wearing course of the runway). The perimeter fence and the road are ongoing and other works to ensure that this airport, including the air field lighting, is delivered for day and night operations.

“You know we are now in the rainy season and just like COVID-19, the rainy season is also a monster in construction or procurement of this nature. But the contractor is doing extremely well, likewise the consultant. So, I am very happy at the rate at which they are going and I am very confident that this procurement will be delivered on the 30th of August 2020. This, of course, is with due consideration to the weather”.

However, in that phase, he appreciated the joint efforts of the Southeastern Governors, with much emphasis on the executive Governor of Enugu state. Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who has shown optimal commitment and dedication towards the actualization of this project.

Subsequently, the minister categorically brought solace to the public by reassuring them of a quality Airport by international standards, which will be reopened as scheduled.

Amongst the Minister’s entourage with whom he carried out the inspection were, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, who represented Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Hamisu Rabiu Yadudu, the Enugu Airport Manager, Mrs. Cecilia Oguama, the Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum Airport Rehabilitation/Palliative Works Committee, Engr. Chris Okoye, the State Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, the Chairman, Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Dr. Josef Umunnakwe Onoh, among others.