The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Captain Fola Akinkuotu has commended the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika for the successful repair and delivery of the Abuja Airport runway, saying it was a major confidence booster for the air transport sector.
The NAMA boss said by delivering the revamped runway ahead of schedule, the minister was “sending an unambiguous message to stakeholders and investors, both foreign and local, that Nigerian Aviation was ready to do serious business.
“To the traveling public, he is saying, trust government, we can deliver, we can do great things.”
Akinkuotu made these remarks in a chat with newsmen in Lagos barely two days after the Abuja airport was reopened for business after a six-week closure to enable repair of the sole and failed runway.
During the closure, local and international flights were diverted to the alternate Kaduna International Airport, which was also upgraded to handle large volumes of flights and passengers.
He also applauded the role played by the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Minister of Transportation, Honourable Rotimi Amechi, Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun and other cabinet Ministers for their efforts in making the project a success, saying “They all showed uncommon leadership. They rallied everyone behind them. In fact, Senator Sirika worked round the clock. He took nothing for granted. He was on ground in Abuja and in Kaduna all the time. He has been exemplary. That is why he succeeded.
Akinkuotu also commended the technical and operational staff of the agency for ensuring that NAMA played a critical role in the smooth running of Kaduna International Airport.
“I must commend them for displaying such diligence. They are well trained and motivated and it showed in their commendable performance. I will continue to build their capacity to enhance our air navigation service delivery,” he added.