Lawmakers Give FAAN Three Weeks To Remove Abandoned Aircraft From Airports

The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to ensure that abandoned and non-functional aircraft are “immediately removed from all airports across the country and impose heavy fines on the owners for non-compliance.”

In addition, the House mandated its Committee on Aviation to ensure compliance with the resolution and report back within three weeks for further legislative action.

At the plenary on Thursday, the lawmakers had unanimously adopted a motion titled ‘Urgent Need to Evacuate Grounded Aircrafts from Nigeria’s Airport,’ which was moved by members from Lagos State, the nation’s economic capital with arguably the biggest and busiest local and international airports.

The sponsors are Messrs Ibrahim Obanikoro, Bayo Balogun, Hunpe Babatunde, Olufemi Adebanjo,Dolapo Badiru, James Faleke, Ganiyu Johnson, Bashiru Dawodu, Ademorin Kuye, YemiAli, James Awolabi, Shoyinka Olatunji and Samuel Adejare.

Moving the motion, Obanikoro noted that airports are gateways and signposts to any country, as first impressions from foreign visitors often start from an assessment of the airport upon arrival.

He said, “The House is concerned that a large number of abandoned, non-functional aircraft littering airports across the country gives an impression that Nigeria is a dumping ground for old aeroplanes.

“The House is also concerned that leaving such grounded aircraft within the airports constitutes safety hazards and could serve as a hideout for stowaways. Leaving the non-functional aeroplanes visible even from the runway demonstrates a low capacity in maintenance and recycling culture in the country.”