The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over the abrupt closure of the runway at Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu.
FAAN had announced that the airport would be closed to enable urgent rehabilitation of the runway.
However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo raised concerns over the decision, noting that this marks the third time in under 15 years that the airport’s runway is undergoing such closure.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, the group condemned the timing of the shutdown, which coincided with the Easter season—typically a peak travel period for the Igbo and other Nigerians.
Chukwu said, “While we understand that safety is paramount, the timing of this closure could have been better managed to avoid disrupting the travel plans of many.”
He further described the development as “unpatriotic and unfair” to regular airport users, particularly within the Southeast.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to step in and ensure the immediate release of funds for a complete reconstruction of the runway.
“We need a lasting solution rather than the makeshift efforts we’ve seen over the years,” he stated.
In addition to decrying the repeated failures of the runway, Ohanaeze urged FAAN to conduct a comprehensive inspection of all runways across Nigerian airports to avert potential dangers to passengers.
The group also appealed to the Minister of Aviation, Chief Festus Keyamo (SAN), to take note of the ongoing concerns.
“We appeal to Chief Festus Keyamo SAN, the Honourable Minister of Aviation, to acknowledge that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport is still incomplete, with minimal work done by previous federal administrations,” Chukwu noted.
While expressing appreciation to the Enugu State Government for its interventions, Ohanaeze expressed hope that the federal authorities will prioritize completing the airport project to meet global standards.
“We look forward to the successful completion of the project within the stated timeframe,” the group added.
FAAN’s closure notice, issued late Friday, cited a “sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface” as the basis for the emergency repair, which is scheduled from April 22 to May 6, 2025.
