By Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja
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.

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.

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.

Afromentalist:
Who had the brilliant idea to build an airport without landing facilities in the first place?

One may be tempted to think these leaders are incompetent but it would be a mistake. Their real strategy is to built infrastructures that way so that after they have already embezzled the funds they will force the release of emergency funds so they can divert additional funds.

Afromentalist:
Who had the brilliant idea to build an airport without landing facilities in the first place?

airprinz:
Havn't you seen how senseless your reply is? Don't you know if airports are scattered all over this nation, it's our pride, it boost our productivity level, and as well encourages transportation with ease? Besides, who told you bayelsa has an airport?

Blue3k2:


Nigeria doesn't take care of any of it's airports. They should just concessioned them. They've beem dragging their feet on it.

Reference:
Jokers. Cross-River that barely has a motorable access road from the rest of Nigeria and they are talking about airport and night flights. Cross Riverians are sitting idly by claiming to be part of Nigeria. Let the rainy season come and change your nationality. Very soon it will be easier to drive to Cameroun and then fly to Abuja or Lagos.