From Saka Bolaji, Minna.
A Chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Niger State, Engineer Abdullahi Dauda Kutigi, has faulted the decision of the federal government to divert Abuja flights to Kaduna airport as alternative sequel to the repairs of Abuja airport as a political manoeuvring just like the previous administration.
The political big wing expressed his disagreement with the federal government at the weekend, during a press briefing in Minna, the state capital.
Kutigi lamented that Kaduna has the highest insecurity problems in Nigeria considering its level of kidnapping, social- political and religious crisis, armed robbery, incessant blocked of road and attacked on innocent passengers, wondering why Niger was not considered by the federal government.
He said that Minna airport was specially constructed as an alternative to Abuja airport hence the initial and running cost of using Kaduna airport will be much more higher than that of Minna airport.
He further added that Minna airport is much closer to Abuja either by road or helicopter shuttle, much secured city and safe route in both accident and security and low traffic at the airport as well as comfort and inexpensive hotels.
Kutigi stated that the federal government was willing to expend huge funds and resources to mitigate the challenges of Kaduna airport while less of such money can be spent to put everything in order in Minna airport.
However, Kutigi blamed the Niger State government for not being proactive on the matter and take up the socio-economic advantage of using Minna airport with the federal government.
He stressed that rather than using over N1 billion on Abuja- Kaduna dual carriageway, provide additional facilities at same airport, provide security patrol along it road and provide free passenger shuttle bus between Abuja and Kaduna road why cant them use Minna airport as needed by the airline operators and stakeholders who have shown concern on the issue.
He noted that Minna airport has facilities like 3.6 km runway, one of the longest in Nigeria, apron size of 400m×120m, no cracks on the runway and apron, complete perimeter fence, apron flood lights and airlift lights in perfect condition, all used for successful haji operations using B747 and B767 aircrafts.
Kutigi regretted how the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan halted the dredging of River Niger to Baro port and Minna- Abuja rail project to link Lagos with Abuja.
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