NigerianFLIGHTDECK Travel and Business Reportage 
MANAGING Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Hamisu Yadudu has stated that the airports manager is partnering the government of Enugu State to address the encroachment at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
Capt. Yadudu made the disclosure today, following a joint facilities inspection visit to the airport by the Management of FAAN and the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
The Enugu State government had in April ordered immediate removal of all illegal structures encroaching on the land of the Airport, radio mast of the state broadcasting service, and Free Trade Zone to ensure that the airport and its runway is fixed.
Expressing his gratitude to Governor Ugwuanyi for his swift response to this issue by directing that all illegal structures on the airport be demolished after a week’s notice of evacuation, he noted that human habitation within the airport’s airfield is a safety concern to the airport managers because of the heavy equipment that moves within the environment.
The MD, who also held a town hall meeting with staff of the airport where he assured them of Management’s commitment to improved facilities and infrastructure, added that the Authority will continue to ensure safe and secured airports in Nigeria.
Immediate past Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika had threatened to shut down the airport for rehabilitation which led the Enugu State Government to take quick steps to remove impediments to safety around the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu to ensure that government carries out repairs on the runway.
He said,”All these will better the lot of the Enugu Airport and improve safety a hundred fold.
Recall, the Enugu state government through its Commissioner for Information, Ogbuagu Anikwe on May 18, issued the state government’s directive which read, “Following safety concerns raised by Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) on potential air hazards in and around the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu as well as the near tragic air mishap that occurred on 6th May, 2019, the Enugu State Executive Council has approved the immediate closure of Orie Emene Market (abattoir inclusive) to forestall tragic air accident at the Airport.
“Accordingly, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area has been directed to effect the immediate closure of the market.”Council also ordered immediate removal of all illegal structures encroaching on the land of the Airport.
“The State Executive Council had on 12th October, 2018 approved funds for relocation of the State Broadcast Mast on the approach of the Run Way to Okpatu Hill (Ugwu Rerenkwu) in Udi Local Government Area but the implementation of this project has been hampered by the disruptive activities of some youths in the community.
