Airport:
Niger state government has canvassed the use of Minna Airport as alternative to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, slated for rehabilitation in February.
Mr Jonathan Vatsa, the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism made the suggestion on Monday in Minna.
He argued that Minna airport was the closest to Abuja.
Vatsa appealed to Federal Government to hasten work on the dualisation of Suleja–Minna road to serve as gateway to the Minna airport to be used as alternative.
As stated by the Commissioner, Niger Government is ready to assist Federal Government to make Minna airport as alternative for the period Abuja airport will be closed.
He stated Minna airport had the requisite facilities and manpower to serve as trusted alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport, Abuja.
The state, he said, was also known as one of most peaceful in the country.
He added that conversion of Minna airport for the purpose would also reduce the suffering of travelers.
“In time like this, Minna airport should be used and in the most economic way, it should also be used as a cargo airport.
“Therefore, with the planned closure of Abuja airport for rehabilitation, it is wise economically to use Minna to serve Abuja.”
“The proximity of Minna to Abuja is one hour plus if the dualisation work on Minna-Suleja road is fast tracked and completed as planned by the Federal Government.
“As government, we, therefore, call on the authorities to look into this viable alternative,” he stated.