The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has indicated its readiness to suspend its services at Gombe, Kebbi and Bebi airports as from May 1 following the airports management’s failure to settle their outstanding indebtedness it.
The authority’s spokesperson, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, in a statement also hinted that more airports or terminals would also cease from enjoying FAAN’s services.
The breakdown shows that Gombe airport is indebted to FAAN to the tune of N607.9 million; while Kebbi and Bebi airports are indebted to the tune of N124.5 million and N76.8 million respectively.
She recalled that a notice of intention to sanction to operators of the affected airports to settle their debts on or before April 24 had earlier been sent to them, adding that another seven-day grace has also been conveyed to them.
The statement clarified: “The authority shall be constrained to commence the implementation of sanctions at the expiration of this notice if the organisations fail or refuse to pay up as advised.
“In view of the above, the authority hereby notifies private airport operators that the services of our Aviation Security and Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting personnel will no longer be available for the operations of their airports with effect from May 1.
“This action has become imperative as the management of Gombe airport is indebted to the authority to the tune of N607. 9 million, while Kebbi and Bebi airports are indebted to the tune of N124.5 million and N76. 8 million respectively.
“This is reminiscent of the action taken by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency in (NAMA) when it closed Osubi and other airstrips owned by private firms and state governments September 2018 over humongous debts in excess of N4 billion incurred over the years.
“Most of the aerodromes were hugely indebted to NAMA just as paucity of funds stretched the finances of the airspace agency as many airlines, airports and airstrips operators reneged in paying for services rendered by the agency which relies on revenue generated from its services to pay workers and maintain its highly powerful navigation equipment which run on electricity or generating plants for 24 hours”, FAAN added.
