By JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, calabar
The Federal Government has commenced erection of perimeter fencing in the nation’s airports to boost security in all the airports. Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Mr. Richard Aisuebeogun disclosed this yesterday Friday while reopening the Margret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar which was closed down four months ago for renovation.

Mr. Aisuebeogun said erection of perimeter facing has started in seven airports and that four have been completed. The 2,400 metre runway of the airport was completely renovated and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority issued certificate of reopening of the airport for commercial activities.

The FAAN MD in an interview said that the security situation in all the nation’s airports is paramount and upgrade of facilities to that regard has commenced. “The perimeter fencing of this airport is crucial to us and I can assure you that in 2012, it will be completely addressed. Currently in the 2010/2011 budget, we have addressed seven airports in the area of perimetre fencing and as I speak to you, out of the seven, four have been completed. It means four additional aiports now have complete perimetre fencing which of course will help to guarantee some level of security”, he said. Aisuebeogun further disclosed that FAAN was working closely with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Secuirty and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies to ensure safety at all the nation’s airports. Also responding to questions on infratsructure upgrade in airports, Aisuebeogun said already the Minister of Aviation had approved the remodelling programme for all the airports. According to him, in the next four weeks, 12 airport terminals will be given facelifts.

“In the next four weeks, we will start remodelling 12 airports while within the next three months 11 others will have their terminal buildings remodelled. “Most of our airports are over 30 years old and they need renovartion,” he stressed.On the reopened Calabar airport, Aisuebeogun said a complete rehabilation work which covers the 2,400 metre runway was carried out, adding that the new runway is expected to last for the next 15 years.

He commended the Cross River State Government for providing a 500 KVA generating set to boost power at the airport.