Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Monday said that his government has spent so much in upgrading the Nigerian Airforce aerodrome in Makurdi.
This he said has made it possible for the resumption of commercial flights into the airport.
Ortom said that his administration had been able to procure and made provision for a Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority-approved Digital Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle, along with training, equipping and testing of over 50 fire staff;
Other efforts made at upgrading the airport are, the “provision of a state-of-the-art ambulance and trained health personnel for emergency rescue services.
“Facilitating the geodetic survey of the Airport to ensure it is included in ICAO maps so that pilots can rely on instruments to fly into Makurdi.
“Provisions of Airport tarmac markings and related airside signages; provision of an operational vehicle for NAMA; Strengthening of access control and security screening and Provision of temporary spaces for terminal operations.
The governor further said that his government made provision for a subsidy to defray Air Peace against any unanticipated route risks; amongst others also said that it’s in the process of providing long-term accommodation for the Nigeria Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) Personnel as well as a Tent to protect the ARFF truck and serve as a rest area for the Fire personnel, among other commitments.
He commended the Minister of Aviation and his team, the NAF, NCAA, NAMA, NiMET, the Airport Manager and her colleagues as well as Air Peace for their cooperation and diligence in making the event possible.
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