The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has debunked allegations form some quaters that $500 million was borrowed from China to acquire aircraft for domestic airlines.
The General Manager, Corporate Communications FAAN Yakubu Datti in a press release described it as a cheap blackmail.
He said: “FAAN has not borrowed $500 million naira from China nor any country for that matter. Furthermore, FAAN is not acquiring aircrafts, as claimed in the statement. “FAAN is a service provider in the industry and is presently occupied in translating the transformational aviation master plan into concrete realities. “At present, the Authority is focused on the reconstruction of 22 airports across the country as initiated by the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah. The Lagos terminal 1, popularly known as GAT has since been commissioned while the remaining airports are at different stages of completion. Work on the remaining 11 airports in the 2nd phase will soon begin. According to him, the orientation of aviation employees is being vigorously pursued through capacity development, and the Director, Mr. George Uriesi is spearheading this paradigm shift towards service delivery, accountability, and self-sustenance.
He however added that the Ministry of Aviation is making arrangements to facilitate the acquisition of 30 airplanes to boost the operations of domestic airlines. According to him, the modalities are being fine-tuned, to checkmate the abuse of the aviation intervention fund.
“This strategy will plug the loophole that allows fortune seekers free access to these funds” he said.
“Other strategies are being deployed to grow the domestic airlines. Princess Oduah’s successfully campaign for the removal of taxes and tariffs on commercial airline spare-parts is being widely commended as a step in the right direction. “Some airports have been designated as agro-allied and cargo terminals to promote investment and make them self-sustaining. “In the area of safety and security, modern security equipments have been procured following a comprehensive security threat and vulnerability assessment. He added.
On Airports airfield lighting on runway, he said: “18L at the Domestic Terminal of Murtala Mohammed Airport has been restored. “Again the expanded “E” Arrival Wing of the international terminal of MMA has commenced operations. he also said the ministry is making arrangement towards the construction of brand new airports in 2013.
“The year 2013 will witness the construction of brand new airport terminals in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt, and the commencement of the Aerotropolis project; a concept that involves building cities around airports, and thus connecting businesses, suppliers, executives and goods to the aviation global world. “The transformation of the aviation sector is on course. He said.
He then cautioned the writer of the piece whom he identified as , Capt Dele Ore whom he described as to being “on a wild goose chase” to stop giving unfounded allegations as it could send wrong signals to the international aviation community and hurt Government’s sincere efforts to rejuvenate an ailing industry.
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