Reps disagree over Kaduna airport safety

THE House of Representatives on Thursday raised concern over the safety of  Kaduna International Airport, just as the house mandated committee on Aviation to review the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) audit report on the airport.

The review of NCAA audit report by the committee was to ascertain that the airport’s operations complied with international standard.

The committee is also expected to monitor the ongoing repair at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The House resolution followed a motion moved by Hon Adeyinka Ajayi, on the need to review and ensure that Kaduna International Airport complies with operational and safety requirements as contained in prescribed aerodrome standards of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Acts and regulation.

He said that, despite all assurances, safety concerns, have already began to surface around aviation activities at the Airport.

The lawmaker also stated that ramp markings and perimeter fencing at the Kaduna international airport are not adequate, and are already been violated by unauthorised users.

He equally maintained that, “If these concerns are not urgently addressed, the nation stands the risk of losing its International Civil Aviation Licence, and possess dangers to passengers and aircraft safety.

“Some Aviation marketers have been allegedly transferring Jet A-1 product from Bulk Road Tankers directly into bowser right in the tarmac at the Kaduna International Airport” he noted.

The house leader, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, while contributing to the motion said that the lack of standard at the Kaduna airport might be responsible for the decision of all international airlines in exception of one for not using the airport.

According to him, “It is worrisome that all the international airlines, except one decided not to use the Kaduna airport, there must be something they know that we don’t know. They have decided to lose money rather than take the risk”.

On his part, Minority Leader, Hon Leo Ogor said that, “When I flew into the Kaduna airport, I realise that the site is more like a construction site, it is very dangerous, we must take proactive steps to ensure safety of our people”.

Hon Hassan Saleh also said that, the airport is like a construction site.

However, most of the lawmakers from Kaduna including, Hon Garba Datti Ahmed and Simon Arabo kicked against the motion saying that, the airport can be used by airlines.

The Speaker, Hon Yakubu Dogara in his ruling ruled in favour of those in support of the motion.

But a member, who had earlier kicked against the motion called   to challenge the Speaker’s ruling by calling for division.

The Speaker however overruled him saying the House had moved to another motion, noting that if he want to challenge the ruling, he should come up with substantive motion for House to rescind its resolution.