From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Aids, Loans and Debt Management have paid an oversight visit to Kebbi State regarding the Federal Government’s plan to take over Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.
The Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Arc Lanre Okunlola, led other members on a courtesy visit to the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
While addressing the Governor and members of his cabinet, Okunlola said: “We are here on an oversight function following the President’s letter to the House. We are here to ensure you get your request regarding the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, transmitted to the Federal Government. This will be done via a promissory note. Our visit is to get final approval.
“We are satisfied with what we have seen at the airport. We will submit our report to the House for further action to fulfil the President’s order.”
In his response, Governor Nasir Idris expressed confidence that whatever decision the House of Representatives takes will be in the interest of Kebbi State.
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“The airport was constructed by former Governor Dakingari based on consultations with stakeholders. I was the Kebbi State NLC Chairman at the time,” he said.
“I supported the project on the conviction that one-day Kebbi would need a standard airport.
“Some opposed the airport, but Dakingari neutralised their opposition by naming it after the revered Sir Ahmadu Bello, whom we all respect and adore.
“Those who initially opposed the construction of the airport are now the beneficiaries. We thank Governor Dakingari for his foresight. The Federal Government is taking over airports, not just ours. The takeover by the Federal Government will be a relief to us. The Federal Government does not compromise management.
“I have invested ₦1 billion in improving facilities at the airport to pave the way for the airlift of our pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia for the Hajj.
“The Vice President flagged off the 2024 airlift exercise nationwide from Kebbi. We have received a commendation from the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) as the best-performing Hajj airlift.
“The Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, has helped eliminate the hardship faced by air travellers from the state who had to travel to Sokoto by road for air service, with attendant delays and hardship, especially for pilgrims going to the Hajj.
“We want reimbursement from the Federal Government to utilise the money in other sectors of development in Kebbi State,” Governor Nasir Idris concluded.