Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has voiced its dissatisfaction with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) following the abrupt closure of the runway at Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) in Enugu. This closure comes at a particularly inconvenient time, coinciding with the Easter festivities when air travel typically sees a significant increase among Ndigbo and other travellers.
Ezechi Chukwu, Ph.D, the spokesperson for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, described the decision as “unpatriotic and unfair” to regular users of the airport, particularly the Igbo community. “While we understand that safety is paramount, the timing of this closure could have been better managed to avoid disrupting the travel plans of many,” he stated.
The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed concern that this marks the third closure of the runway in less than 15 years. In light of this recurring issue, the organisation has called for immediate intervention from President Bola Tinubu, urging the release of funds for a comprehensive reconstruction of the runway. “We need a lasting solution rather than the makeshift efforts we’ve seen over the years,” Chukwu added.
FAAN announced the emergency closure in a statement released late on Friday, citing a “sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface” as the reason for the repairs, which are scheduled to take place from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025. The statement, signed by FAAN’s Director of Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasised compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations.
In response to this development, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has urged FAAN to conduct thorough inspections of all airport runways across the nation to prevent accidents that could jeopardise passenger safety. “We appeal to Chief Festus Keyamo SAN, the Honourable Minister of Aviation, to acknowledge that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport is still incomplete, with minimal work done by previous federal administrations,” Chukwu remarked.
The organisation commended the efforts of the Enugu State Government and reiterated its hope that the current administration will expedite the completion and operationalisation of the airport in line with international best practices. “We look forward to the successful completion of the project within the stated timeframe,” Chukwu concluded.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide continues to advocate for the needs and safety of the Igbo people in the face of infrastructural challenges.