Deputy Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Toby Okechukwu (APC-Enugu), has tasked the Federal Government to immediately reopen the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for ease of transportation during the forthcoming festive period.
Okechukwu, representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, also called on the government to reactivate the remaining air facilities to allow international flight operations.
He said in a statement in Abuja that multiple stopovers would expose people to more risks than a direct flight to their destinations in a time of pandemic.
According to him, this call becomes expedient ahead of the Yuletide when Nigerians will like to come home from every part of the world.
The lawmaker said there was no economic wisdom in keeping the airport shut from international operations after investing over N10 billion to upgrade it.
“The Christmas and New Year are the periods when our international airports are most socially and economically relevant to both Nigerians at home and in Diaspora.
“The opportunity cost of keeping these airports shut from international operations can be quite high.
