Lawmakers Ask FG to Remove Grounded Aircraft from All Airports

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (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.

The resolutions of the lawmakers were sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro and 11 others at the plenary yesterday.

Moving the motion, Obanikoro expressed concerns over large number of abandoned, non-functional aircraft littering airports across the country, saying it gives an impression that Nigeria is a dumping ground for old planes.

He further expressed concerns that leaving such grounded aircraft within the airports constitutes safety hazards, and could serve as a hideout for stowaways.

Obanikoro added that the space occupied by the abandoned aircraft could generate revenue for the aviation agencies via parking fees and hangar maintenance.

Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Aviation to ensure compliance and report back within three weeks for further legislative action.

In similar vein, the House also mandated its Committee on Land Transport to liaise with the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) and the Federal Ministry of Transportation for extension of new rail line to Maya Market in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State, and report back within six weeks for further legislative action.

The House further urged the Ministry of Transport and the NRC to carry out major repairs and upgrade on the Gudi, Makurdi, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Maiduguri railway line with immediate effect.

The resolutions of the lawmakers followed the adoption of two separate motions sponsored by Hon. Oluyemi Taiwo, Hon. Karu Simon Elisha, and nine others respectively.