We'll deliver,' says ministerOkorocha seeks upgrade of Owerri airportTO the best knowledge of most Nigerians, especially stakeholders in the aviation sector, she is not a miracle worker. But a miracle is what the Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Oduah-Ogiewonyin, has pledged to pull off on the supposedly on-going remodelling of 11 airports across the country, which completion deadline is a mere two months away - December 2011.Despite this assurance however, concerned aviation experts and a cross section of Nigerians have expressed doubts over the December 2011 deadline for the remodelling of the airports against the backdrop of current lull in activities and absence of contractors on sites. .The Guardian has learnt from a reliable source that procurement documents for the remodelling projects are still under scrutiny at the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP).But spokesman for the Minister of Aviation, Joe Obi, has stated that the December deadline was still feasible even as he disclosed that the Aviation Ministry was encumbered on the project.However, Obi did not state what the encumbrances were.The airports marked for remodelling are in Lagos, Abuja, Osubi in Warri, Effurun, Delta State, Port Harcourt, Kano, Calabar, Enugu, Owerri, Benin, Kaduna and Yola.A visit by The Guardian to many of the airports set for remodelling across the country leaves much to be desired, as they are still in their old state of serious decay. .At the domestic wing of the Abuja International Airport, the counters were visibly inadequate, baggage handling was less satisfactory and its toilets were in bad shape, except for a few hurriedly fixed by the former minister of aviation.The Port-Harcourt International Airport is also begging for urgent repairs. The entire airport poses security risk.The Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, which records the heaviest traffic, coupled with its sustenance of other airports with revenue generation, has not faired better. Virtually all the facilities, including navigational facilities need urgent attention to ensure seamless air travel and security.President, Aviation Round Table (ART), Captain Dele Ore, decried alleged 'lack of seriousness with which government is pursuing the refurbishment of facilities at the airports.'.Speaking with The Guardian, Ore stated: 'Lagos requires a brand new airport terminal, rather than remodeling. The country is not taking advantage of its private sector to renew aging infrastructure.'You can't remodel Lagos Airport terminal. What we need is a brand new terminal. The government has not even built the other fingers which are lying fallow for more than 30 years'.An aviation analyst, Mr. Taiwo Adenekan, said: 'The N90 billion allocated for this project did it follow due process' Who are the contractors handling these projects' Where are the tenders' Is it to recoup election money' Who are the consultants' Where exactly are we going in this country' Where are the models' These are the questions begging for answers.'Also, Assistant Secretary-General, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Mr. Muhammed Tukur, decried alleged lack of interest in the sensitive aviation sector on the part of the government, describing the remodelling project as 'mere rhetoric.'Oduah-Ogiewonyin had at a press conference to mark preparations for President Jonathan's 100 days in office in August said the ministry would remodel 11 airports in the country by December and provide functional navigational aids, meteorological instruments and improved security.She also pledged that the Federal Government would transform the aviation industry into a regional hub for West and Central Africa. N90 billion was reportedly earmarked for the projectOduah-Ogiewonyi has also restated the Federal Government's commitment to air traffic safety and developing the aviation industry in line with global best practices.Delivering the keynote address at the yearly general meeting and 40th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) in Owerri, Imo State, the minister said the theme of this year's conference, 'Air traffic safety in the Nigerian Transformation Agenda: The challenges and opportunities in the aviation industry,' was in line with President Goodluck Jonathan's transformation agenda and timely.Oduah-Ogiewonyin, who was represented by Mr. Mohammed Ruma of the ministry, described air traffic controllers as the 'heartbeat of the aviation industry,' as 'they are central to air traffic safety.'She reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to completing all on-going Central Navigation System (CNS), Air Traffic Management (ATM) projects, especially at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in order to improve air traffic safety and capacity in the country.In his speech at the event, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, appealed to the minister to upgrade the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport to a full-fledged international cargo airport for both day and night operations.In his address, the Managing Director of NAMA, Mr. Nnamdi Udoh, said the country's aviation sector has recorded a steady growth over the past few yearsfollowing increased economic activities occasioned by a stable political environment,which has led to increased demand for safe, effective and efficient air services of state owned airports and new airlines.
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