Agitations for Minna Airport to serve as alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja due to its proximity and strategically positioned may soon come to fruition if the promise made by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to that effect is anything to go by.
Despite not receiving support from the Presidency and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as potential alternative or off-shoot of the Abuja airport, Minna Airport has been severally recommended by many Nigerians as veritable alternative to Abuja because it is not only spacious but secure for travelers.
Senator Saraki who perhaps for the first time flying through the airport after a condolence visit to family of the late former Governor of Niger State, Kure, and Governor Sani Bello in Minna, promised that the Senate would ensure that whatever is required is put in place for Minna Airport to be fully utilized in serving the primary function as alternative to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
After his departure to Abuja, Monday evening, the renovation work on both the arrival and departure wings of the airport initially built to serve as alternative airport to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja was stopped due to non-release of funds.
The nearness of the Minna Airport to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and its standard runway which is better than what is obtainable in some states only naturally made it choice alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
“Renovation work on the airport so far and the unique features of the airport, security guaranteed due to nearness to town. Just because the immediate past administration did not release funds for its completion, it is a good alternative to Abuja”, Saraki said.
“The Senate will not allow the facilities therein to remain dormant or wasted,” the Senate president promised, stressing, “We have seen the airport and we have discussed it, with it’s standard and conducive runway and it’s closest to Abuja.
“I don’t believe it should be in its present state and we cannot allow it to remain in this sorry state with all the monies invested therein when it can actually be put into optimal use to serve as alternative to Abuja for air travelers and also create jobs for some people.
“Senators from Niger State will table it on the floor of the Senate and we shall look into it, ensure that it is upgraded to international standard.”
