Kaduna Airport: Perimeter Fence, Apron Markings In Place -FAAN

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said the facilities at the Kaduna International Airport are in proper condition.

The Acting General Manager, Safety Services Elifue Agbi during media inspection at the Kaduna International Airport said: “The operations at the airport since the diversion of traffic from Abuja airport has been smooth. To move traffic to this place, we decided that the airport should be upgraded and the upgrade was done. We make sure that the Instrument Landing System are working, the runway and apron clearly marked. These are the things that help in the landing and taking-off of aircraft.”

Commenting on the state of perimeter fence at the airport he said, “The perimeter fence is okay. The perimeter fence is to help in securing airside and the properties therein. It is part of our defense and it is done.”

Concerning allegation that aircraft on the tarmac being fueled in the manner that is not approved, Agbi said, “Aircraft is not like car that you can fuel anyhow. You cannot just bring nozzle and start fueling. Aircraft have different types of inlets and they are special nozzles. The nozzles are very expensive and fitted to the bowser. No airline will allow its airliner to be fueled in a terrible way because of the safety concern. Notwithstanding, when we read the report we decided to carry out our investigation. we went to Conoil, SITA and Cleanserve and they have the facilities.”

Agbi assured that everything is being done according to regulations. “The regulation governing aviation is not limited to Nigeria. We are following international regulations and we are not flouting it.”

Ajide Oluwarotimi, Kaduna Airport Conoil Station Manager: “Conoil have been in Kaduna for over 30 years and we have all the equipment of international standard required to fuel aircraft. We have been handling Hajj operations and security operatives using the airport. Our tank can take 650,000 litres. When the relocation of traffic from Abuja was about to start, we brought experts to calibrate our machines (meters and bowser) and put all our equipment in order. Before the operation, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority came to our depot and carry out safety inspections. NCAA inspectors inspect the quality of fuel for aircraft and they do this every week.  It is only bowser that are dedicated to fuel aircraft not any other equipment.”

On her part, Henrietta Yakubu, Acting General Manager, Corporate Communications FAAN confirmed NCAA’s approval before operations at Kaduna Airport. “If proper things are not in place, NCAA would not have allowed the operations. NCAA came and looked at everything we have done and they agreed that we are good to go. Everything was done to ensure that we meet ICAO standard. What passengers complained about initially were the Automated Teller Machines (ATM), but now, we have a row of ATMs. And also, Federal Government have been magnanimous enough to provide free busses and train that convey passengers free of charge. During the peak period which is mostly in the morning, the Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel are on ground to handle that.”