FEDERAL Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) withdrew services from Gombe and Kebbi airports over N811 million debts leading to a technical shutdown of both airports as regulations state that airports cannot operate without its aviation security as well as aerodrome rescue and fire fighting personnel.
FAAN, in a Notice To Air Men (NOTAM) sent to the airports, announced the withdrawal of men of the safety and fire rescue and aviation security personnel attached to the two airports having given the two state governments time to settle their debts but reportedly.
In April, our correspondent reported on the circular FAAN’s credit control department issued to debtor airports giving them an extra seven (7) day ultimatum from the 24th of April after which it will withdraw services of its aviation security as well as aerodrome rescue and fire fighting personnel.
The circular read,†Following the notice of Intention to sanction issued to owners/operators of private airports indebted to FAAN which lapses on Wednesday 24th April, 2019, FAAN hereby serves another 7days notice of grave till Tuesday 30th April for them to settle the debtsâ€
†In view of the above, the authority hereby notifies private airport operators that the services of our aviation security as well as aerodrome rescue and fire fighting personnel will no longer be available for operations of their airports with effect from Wednesday 1st May 2019, as FAAN can no longer keep these personnel at airports without payment.â€
It was also learnt that Bebi Airport, an airport serving Bebi in Cross River State of Nigeria and also serving as the airport for the Obudu Mountain Resort escaped the hammer following the speedy settlement of its debts to FAAN.
