MINISTER of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika continued his inspection of various airports across the country, commissioning the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Kaduna, as well as the remodelled terminal building in Maiduguri
The Minister had halted his tour around airports across the nation following plans to hand over but recommenced on Monday where he inaugurated some NAMA, NiMET, NCAT and NCAA projects ( North West ) while he inspected and commissioned FAAN solar Air Field Lightning, Apron Flood Lighting in Maiduguri ( North East).
Inaugurating the EOC in Kaduna, Sirika explained its importance and stated that it would be used for the betterment of the industry and the nation in general.
Speaking before the inauguration, Managing Director FAAN, Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu said the EOC was a requirement for the aerodrome emergency plan.
“We are here to commission the Emergency Operation Centre for Kaduna International Airport. This project will not be here if, in 2017, the honorable Minister has not directed that we must work to ensure the Kaduna Airport becomes a viable and suitable alternative to Abuja
“The EOC is a structure we need to make Kaduna a viable alternative to Abuja because where ever you have an airport you must be prepared for an emergency just like we did in Abuja Airport. This Airport has an aerodrome emergency plan and all aerodrome emergency plans requires by regulation that you must have an EOC, in which in which to launch or start or commence and emergency operation. This is the platform where all emergency operations will be launched
The Minister also commissioned the remodelled Maiduguri Airport Terminal emphasizing government’s commitment to complete all abandoned and pending projects before commencing new ones.
He stated, “indeed it is nice to be back here in Maiduguri to commission this terminal, the government of President Muhammed Buhari understands the importance of Maiduguri. He understands the City , he understands the people and its environs…We have a mission to finish all uncompleted project for the good people of Borno and the national at large”
“Maiduguri airport terminal rehabilitation commenced in 2013 and was abandoned but in the spirit of President Buhari’s leadership style, he urged the completion of all abandoned airport projects and this is one of them.
“It underscores the importance of Borno as a state in the North-East, and having been ravaged by insecurity, we give importance to this airport and many other facilities that will ensure safe and secure airport operations.
“There were no scheduled flight to Maiduguri airport before the coming of President Buhari, but now you can see Azman Air here, its scheduled service into this airport.
“We will continue to improve upon this airport to ensure the security and safety of it operations.
In NCAT, Sirika commissioned the installed Advance Guard system, automation of Flying School operations, Elite 1000 approved Aviation training device, standardization of classroom as well as Airfield Marking and Signs Laboratory as well as the Emergency Operations Centre in Kaduna.
In Kaduna, the Minister commissioned AVIA and Associated Equipment and also commenced to Zaria to inaugurate the Aviation Weather Observation Station (AWOS).
