The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, resolved to make provision in the 2025 Appropriation Act for the upgrade of infrastructure across the nation’s airports.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on the Need to rehabilitate the road and bridges leading to the site of the ill-fated Bellview Boeing 737–200 Airline Flight 210 from Lagos to Abuja in 2005.
In his lead debate, Hon. Ayokunle Isiaka observed that on 22 October 2005, the Bellview Airlines Flight 210, a scheduled Nigerian domestic passenger flight Boeing 737-200 airliner from Lagos to Abuja nose-dived and crashed at high speed few minutes after take-off, killing all 117 passengers on board.
“The House is concerned that families of the deceased cannot pay their respects due to the dilapidated road and collapsed bridges at Awela and Alapako Rivers.
“The House is also concerned that families of the deceased passengers are unable to pay their normal laying of wreath and prayers, because of the badly affected road and the collapsed bridges affected by flood and erosion at both Awela and Alapako Rivers, is a poignant reminder of the ongoing impact of that terrible event.”
He also called on Federal Government to establish a Memorial Fund to support families of the deceased involved in the accident to aid their travel expenses to visit the site.
He also underscored the need for provision of a sustainable infrastructure development in the area by engaging the relevant stakeholders to prioritize road maintenance and a monument for visitors, as well as encourage donations and contributions to help alleviate financial burdens of the families of the victims.
Hon. Isiaka also urged Ecological Project Office through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to embark on immediate road development, dredging/channelization and construction of bridges across Awela and Alapako Bridges to allow families to visit the site and pay their respects.
In his address however, Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda who proposed an amendment to delete prayer one of the motion, argued that since insurance claims should ensure due compensation.
After the debate, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas referred the motion to the joint House Committees on Ecological Funds, Appropriation and Aviation for further legislative action.
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