The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the repair work done on the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, labeling it as "substandard and unsafe."
In a post shared on his official X handle on Saturday, the Minister did not mince words in condemning the quality of the previous rehabilitation efforts. His remarks came shortly after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced a two-week closure of the runway, starting from April 22, 2025, to enable urgent repair work.
According to Keyamo, the federal government was compelled to take this decisive step in the interest of public safety. “Dear compatriots, we have been compelled to take this decision to close the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for two weeks starting from April 22nd, 2025, in order to carry out major repair works on it,” he stated.
The FAAN, through its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, had earlier issued a statement confirming the temporary closure, emphasizing the need for critical maintenance. Keyamo’s comment adds weight to growing concerns about infrastructure quality and safety in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The Minister’s forthright position signals a renewed commitment by the current administration to prioritize passenger safety and uphold global aviation standards, even if it means disrupting services in the short term for long-term gain.