A member of the House of Representatives from Dange/Shuni/Bodinga-Tureta Federal Constituency, Balarabe Shehu-Kakale, 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 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.
”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 the 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 northwestern 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.”
(NAN)
