The House of Representatives, on Thursday, called on regulatory agencies in the aviation industry to immediately evacuate all the grounded aircraft at major airports.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon Babajide Obanikoro and 11 others.
In his lead debate, Hon. Obanikoro who frowned at the prevailing situation at the various airports observed that airports are gateways and signposts to any country as first impressions from foreign visitors often start from an assessment of the airport upon arrival.
He expressed concern that: “a large number of abandoned, non-functional aircrafts littering airports across the country gives an impression that Nigeria is a dumping ground for old aeroplanes.
“The House is also concerned that leaving such grounded aircraft within the airports constitutes safety hazards and could serve as a hideout for stowaways.
“The House is cognizant that leaving the non-functional aeroplanes visible even from the runway, demonstrates a low capacity in maintenance and recycling culture in the country.
“The House is also cognizant that the space occupied by the abandoned aircraft could generate revenue for the aviation agencies via parking fees and hangar maintenance.”
In the bid to address the menace, the House tasked the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Niger (FAAN) to ensure that all abandoned non-functional aircraft are immediately removed from all airports across the country and impose heavy fines on the owners for non-compliance.
To this end, the House mandated its Committee on Aviation to ensure compliance and report back within three weeks for further legislative action.
Also at the plenary, the House called on Federal Government on the need to extend the Modern Railway Line from Abeokuta–Ibadan to Maya Market in the Ibarapa East Area of Oyo State.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Oluyemi Adewale Taiwo.
In his lead debate, Hon Taiwo who observed that rail line is one of the first standard gauge railways modernization projects undertaken in Nigeria stressed that the standard gauge connects Abeokuta-Ibadan to Maya Market in Ibarapa East Local Government area of Oyo State with its commercial activities enabling sector investment between the two centres.
“The House is aware that Maya market is widely known throughout the western Nigerian for the supplies of coal and farm products.
“The House is also aware that the railway modernization initiative in Nigeria aims to replace the existing narrow gauge system with the modern standard gauge system while allowing high-speed train operations on the railway network.
“The House is cognizant that the railway mode of transportation is a vital backbone to supporting economic development.
“The House appreciates the prioritization of viable railway routes for effective and efficient train services supplying the people of Maya in Ibarapa East Local Government area of Oyo State trade and commerce,” he stated.
To this end, the House mandated its Committee on Land transport to liaise with the Nigeria Railway Corporation and the Federal Ministry of Transportation for the extension of a new gauge line to Maya Market in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo state and report back within six weeks for further legislative action.
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