Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has expressed disappointment and displeasure over the sudden closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) during the Easter festive period.
FAAN had on Friday announced a two-week emergency closure of the Enugu airport for runway rehabilitation, citing a significant rupture in the asphalt surface. The closure is expected to last from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025.
According to Director of Affairs and Consumer Protection, in a statement, “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 the portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025
“In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, FAAN has, therefore, closed the runway during this period.”
However, in a statement on Monday by the organization’s Spokesperson, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Ohanaeze described the closure as “unpatriotic and unfair” to regular users of the airport, especially Ndigbo, who travel in large numbers during this period.
While acknowledging that safety concerns may be the reason, Ohanaeze noted that the timing of the closure could have been better managed.
“This is the third time the runway has failed in less than 15 years. We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and release funds to reconstruct the entire runway, rather than the makeshift efforts that have not worked over the years,” Ohanaeze said.
The organisation commended the Enugu State Government’s complementary efforts and implored the President Bola Tinubu administration to fully complete and operationalize the airport in line with international best practices.
“We urge FAAN to monitor all airport runways nationwide to ensure they are in perfect condition to avoid accidents that could endanger lives,” Ohanaeze added.
The statement made available to SaharaReporters on Monday evening partly read: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has expressed displeasure with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), over the sudden closure of the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu. This closure is coming at the height of the Easter festive period when Ndigbo and other air transport users travel in high numbers.
“The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described it as unpatriotic and unfair to regular users of the airport, especially Ndigbo. While safety of lives and aircraft that ply the route may be the reason, the timing of the closure could have been better managed.
“We are quite disturbed that this is the third time the runway has failed in less than 15 years. Consequently, the apex Igbo organisation appeals for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, for the release of funds to reconstruct the entire runway, rather than the makeshift efforts that have not worked over the years and ensure the timely completion of the project.
“We use this opportunity to draw the attention of Chief Festus Keyamo SAN, the Honourable Minister of Aviation to the fact that Akanu Ibiam International Airport, AIIA, is yet to be completed with minimal work done by successive federal administrations.
“It is in this regard that we commend the complementary effort effort by the Enugu State Government and implore the President Bola Tinubu Administration to fully complete and operationalise the entire airport, in line with international best practices.
“We look forward to the completion of the project within the said duration.”
