‘We Are Committed To Making Minna Airport A Credible Alternative’

From Saka Bolaji, Minna

Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, has reiterated his commitment to making Minna Airport a credible alternative to the closed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, just as a local airline runs daily scheduled flight to and from the airport.
The governor reaffirmed this commitment after inspecting the on-going state government intervention at ensuring the functionality and the comfort of passengers at the airport.
The governor had in recent past engaged in deft lobbying of the federal government and aviation authorities for the use of Minna airport as alternative to the closed capital airport in view of its proximity to Abuja and its runway adjudged as one of the best in the country.
This he followed up with the provision of some basic facilities, such as the construction of a VIP lounge, a general multi-purpose waiting hall and a departure hall, equipped with screening and security gadgets and a mosque for the comfort of air crew and passengers in the airport.
Expressing satisfaction at the level of work at the airport, the governor said, “with the level of work done, we have reduced the hardship of air travellers and we are doing it for the sake of our people. My interaction with some passengers today showed that they are happy with our intervention”.
The elated governor further said his administration has embarked on the repairs of Minna-Suleja Road to enhance the one and half hour trip by road to Abuja from the airport.
According to the governor, “with the pace of work on Minna-Suleja Road by the State Road Maintenance Agency (NIGROMA) and a contractor, it is expected that work on the road should be completed soonest and it will make transporting of passengers from Minna airport by road easier, faster and cheaper because of its proximity to Abuja”.
The governor, who was at hand to monitor the operation of the airline in lifting passengers, also directed the state Ministry of Health to carry out the renovation of the aviation clinic in the airport.
Governor Sani Bello then called on the federal government to ensure that the abandoned renovation of Minna airport is accorded attention to enable it serve it primary function as alternative airport to Abuja.
Meanwhile one of the three domestic airlines that showed preference for Minna Airport since the closure of Abuja Airport has since Monday commenced scheduled flights to and from Minna.