The federal government has approved an international airport for
Ebonyi State following a request by the governor, Mr. Dave Umahi.
The approval is contained in a letter signed by the director of safety and technical policy in the ministry of aviation, Capt. T A Alkali on behalf of the minister, Mr. Hadi Sirika.
“I am directed to convey approval of the honourable minister of aviation for the construction of a state owned/financed international airport on the inspected site,” the letter addressed to the governor.
However, the minister said the approval is subject to the fulfillment of certain requirements.
Such conditions include strict compliance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority requirements; compliance with all relevant environmental regulations, adherence to the provisions of the subsisting Civil Aviation Act 2006, Nigeria Civil Aviation Policy 2013 and other regulations that may evolve with time; and payment of statutory fees.
Others are issuance of security clearance from the Department of State Services (DSS); removal of all obstructions on the site and involvement of the ministry and its relevant agencies at every stage of the development of the airport to ensure compliance with Standards and Recommend Practices (SARPs).
Meanwhile, the chief press secretary to the governor, Mr. Emmanuel Uzor said in a statement that the proposed airport will be located “in a big expanse of land at the boundary between Ezza South and Ezza North local government areas.”
“With the approval all is now set for the smooth take-off of the construction of the airport,” he added.
