Reps want repair of dysfunctional facilities, airports new infrastructures

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Thursday called on the Federal Government to repair dysfunctional facilities and provide new infrastructure at the Federal Airports for efficient service delivery to air travellers.
It particularly urged the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency fix the escalator and lift Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and provide more airside buses and conveying belt at the airport including other federal airports across the country.
The resolution was sequel to adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Onofiok Luke (PDP, Akwa Ibom) at plenary.
Moving the motion, Luke said there was a breakdown of facilities, lack or paucity of certain infrastructure in some Federal Airports in the country, which has caused inconveniences, difficulty and delay to air travellers.
He noted in particular the breakdown of escalator and lift at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, which usually help in easing movement of passengers to departure lounge, thereby forcing passengers to use staircase.
“Disturbed that the dysfunctionality of the escalator and lift operates as a major setback to free movement air travellers and causes serious inconveniences to the elderly and air travellers with disability;
“Observes the insufficiency of airside buses at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airports, Abuja, in conveying passengers especially during the peak hours of 10am to 12noon, and the lack of conveying belt to convey passenger’s bags from checkpoints to baggage sorting area, leading to delay in flight departure,” he stated.
The lawmaker expressed worry over the hardship occasioned on air travellers by the above painted circumstances.
Adopting the motion, the House mandated the Committee on Aviation to ensure compliance and report back within one month for further legislative action.