Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Enugu State is poised to resume flights and commercial activities by August 30.
Recall that the airport was closed on August 24, last year for the rehabilitation of the runway and upgrade of other infrastructure to meet international standards.
While the government also blamed the delayed reopening, earlier set for April on disruptions caused by the outbreak of the Coronavirus and the raining season.
Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika confirmed yesterday that the project was 90-95 per cent ready.
Sirika, who was at the airport to inspect the progress of work yesterday, said: “We are about 90 to 95 per cent completing this job. However, the final wearing course is where we are on the runway while the perimeter fencing and the road is going on and other works including airfield lighting for day and night operations and for it to truly answer its name – Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.”
He continued: “The season now is the rainy season and just like COVID, the rainy season is also a monster in the procurement of this nature but the contractor, the consultants are doing extremely well and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) who is a client and I am happy with the progress of work. I am very confident that this procurement will be delivered on the 30th August 2020.