Enugu Airport: NRC Trying To Blackmail State Gov’t Over Demolition Of Structures – Commissioner

The Enugu State government, Saturday, expressed dismay over what it described as ‘unfortunate, deliberate and malicious falsehood’ against it and its development control agency, the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), by the Enugu zone of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC).

According to a statement by the state commissioner for information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, the claims by the corporation that its structures destroyed around the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu would compromise railway services in the zone was an attempt to blackmail the state government.

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He said it was calculated to undermine the state government’s determination to fully implement the request of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the resolution of the South East Governors’ Forum (SEGF) by removing all obstructions to the reconstruction and critical infrastructure work at the airport, aimed at improving the safety standards of the airport.

Aroh reaffirmed the state government’s commitment, as the host state, to fully implement the decision of the South East Governors’ Forum, and ensure speedy completion of the ongoing rehabilitation and construction work at the airport.

Providing a breakdown of what transpired, the information commissioner said, “Pursuant to the resolution of the South East Governors’ Forum, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) requested the removal of obstruction at the airport construction site along Ukwu Orji area by the rail tracks as contained in the FAAN’s letter to the governor reference no. FAAN/ENU/AM/22/VOL.V32 of 11th May, 2020.

“The state government then directed the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) to issue appropriate notices to all owners and occupants of illegal shanties and structures obstructing the construction of critical infrastructure at the airport. On June 29, 2020, FAAN issued a public notice advising all owners of illegal shanties and structures obstructing the construction of critical infrastructure at the airport to remove same within two weeks.

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“On July 10, 2020, ECTDA published a public notice on page 28 of the Vanguard, giving notice of demolition to all occupants/owners of illegal structures and shanties obstructing the construction of critical infrastructure at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. The agency gave a further three-week notice that demolition will commence from July 31, 2020.

“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria by another letter reference no. FAAN/ENU/AM/15/VOL.6, dated July 21, 2020, forwarded to ECTDA a comprehensive map detailing the areas and structures obstructing the construction of critical infrastructure at the airport that have been marked for removal.

“In line with the above and in consultation with all relevant stakeholders and community leaders in the affected areas, the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority commenced demolition and removal of shanties and illegal structures within the affected areas to ensure speedy completion, upgrade of critical infrastructure and eventual reopening of the all important Akanu Ibiam International Airport.”

Aroh said to ensure the speedy completion, upgrade of critical infrastructure and safe operation of the airport, the state government had, among other steps, relocated the 120 metres Enugu State Broadcasting Services mast, constructed 1.3km asphalt road to the airport navigational facility, as well as provided finance for upgrade and refurbishment of existing toilet facilities in the terminal building, including the installation of sensor sanitary sittings such as contactless automatic taps and flush systems, baby changing facilities, handicapped toilets, air conditioning and ventilation system.

According to him, “The state government has no intention whatsoever to acquire any piece of land belonging to the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), rather the government is determined to provide all needed support to the Nigeria Railway Corporation and any other federal government agency operating within the state to ensure their full operations and functionality.”

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He further stated that no amount of blackmail, falsehood or malicious propaganda would deter the state government, adding that ‘the government is irrevocably committed to the upgrade, speedy completion of the critical infrastructure work and safe re-opening of this very important national security asset located in Enugu State’.

Recall that the authorities of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Enugu zone, had last week alleged that the demolition exercise carried out on its facilities near the airport by the state government would jeopardize efforts of the federal government to fix rail operations in the zone. The state government, through its information Commissioner, had responded that the state was ready to provide them alternative land, explaining that the demolition was a prerequisite towards reopening of the airport by the end of this month.

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