Reps task FG on installation of landing facilities at Margaret Ekpo international airport

The House of Representatives on Thursday called on Federal Government to urgently procure and install landing facilities at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, Cross River  State.

The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Daniel Asuquo, who underscored the importance of air transportation in any modern society.

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While beckoning on the Minister of Aviation to fast-track the process, Hon. Asuquo explained the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, Cross River State, currently does not have landing facilities.

According to him, “the effect of which is that Aircraft cannot land at the airport at night and can neither land nor take off in a bad weather no matter the emergency, a situation that has implications on the health of the people as well as national security.

“The House is concerned that sometimes for several days, no Aircraft lands at the airport thereby forcing travelers to fly through the neighbouring Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State at great expense and inconvenience.

“The House is also concerned that the deplorable state of the Airport is adversely affecting the economy of Cross River State which has already suffered enough, first, through the loss of Bakassi to Cameroon and, then, the loss of 76 oils wells, and now depends on tourism, apart from its meager receipts from the Federation Account.

“The House is convinced that as the first capital of Nigeria and an International Tourist Destination, Calabar (and indeed Cross River State) does not deserve the indignity of not being able to use its only airport optimally,” he said.

To this end, the House mandated its joint Committees on Aviation and Legislative Compliance to monitor the situation to ensure compliance.