Rep. Balarabe Shehu-Kakale ( PDP- Dange/Shuni/Bodinga-Tureta) has urged the Federal Government to complete the international Hajj Terminal at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto.
Shehu-Kakale, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) in Abuja, on Sunday, said: ” We are calling on the Federal Ministry of Aviation and its relevant agencies of FAAN, NAMA, NIMET and NCAA to ensure the completion of the project.
”They should also install and repair all faulty aviation navigation, safety instruments and gadgets, as well as provide security patrol vehicles at the Airport, ahead of the fast approaching commencement of the 2022 Hajj operations.
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” We are also urging the Federal Ministry of Aviation and its agencies to immediately look into the severe manpower and accommodation deficits of both operational and security personnel at the airport.
” This is with a view to approving the recruitment of staff to ensure safety of lives and aviation operations, with appropriate consideration of qualified members of the host communities.’
The lawmaker said that to this effect, he had co-sponsored a motion with 16 other Representatives from Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, which the House graciously adopted and passed as a resolution.
Shehu-Kakale said the airport was the third busiest in passenger traffic in the North, as well as a major International passenger feeder to Abuja and Kano.
” This is coupled with its strategic location in the farthest north western aerospace of Nigeria, playing a strategic role as an enabler of growth and economic development of the nation.
”The airport has the largest Hajj Terminal in Nigeria serving three states with additional aviation auxiliary functions to Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Kebbi Airports.
”It is also handling over 10,000 International Hajj and Umrah passengers annually before the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
According to the lawmaker, due to the the strategic importance of the Airport, contracts were awarded in 2013 to upgrade and build a standard Hajj Terminal as required by National and International aviation regulations.
Shehu-Kakale said: ”Nine years on, the Hajj Terminal is still a construction site, with a dire need of such necessary facilities as access roads, parking spaces, security, lighting, fence, offices and other public conveniences.
”There is also the acute shortage of both operational, security staff, other personnel and accommodation, and the non-functioning approach Lighting System for night movements.
”The non-functioning Runway 08/26 approach lights and other Aviation safety and security infrastructure of the Airport need urgent attention, considering the fast approaching Hajj operations of the year 2022.
”Fully knowing that most Hajj operations normally take place in the night and the need for all night visual aid facilities to work perfectly for the sake of safety cannot be over emphasized.
‘The single lane Airport access Road also needs urgent upgrade in form of dualization and security street lights as well as the perimeter fencing of the airport which needed constant monitoring with Security gadgets and patrol vans”, Shehu-kakale stressed.
Shehu-Kakale commended the management of the Airport and ministry of Aviation for the recent upgrades and improvement in security, operations and passenger safety measures at the airport and its environs during the difficult period of COVID-19.
”We also need to appreciate and commend the host communities of the airport for their continued support and vigilance in matters of security, good neighbourliness and community-based development of the Airport’s precinct.
” These communities are: Gugari, Amanawa, Fatakori, Bagarawa, Kolalo, Dan Dogo, Mil Goma, Takatuku, Ruggar kura, Tuntube, Tsehe, Gangarau, Girgiri, Shuni, Ruggar Busau, Madorawa and Gidan Boiyya.
” I must also urge the relevant agencies to remember them in their corporate social responsibilities (CSR),” the lawmaker added.
