Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has ordered the temporary closure of the runway at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, citing critical safety concerns and calling the previous rehabilitation project “substandard and unsafe.”
The closure, which takes effect from Monday, April 22, 2025, will last for two weeks. Keyamo made the announcement on Saturday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating that the Federal Government has been “compelled” to act in the interest of public safety.
“Dear compatriots, we have been compelled to take this decision to close the runway… in order to carry out major repair works,” he stated.
According to the minister, the airport, which underwent major rehabilitation in 2019, still suffers from persistent structural issues—particularly waterlogging. He said the problem was not properly addressed during the previous reconstruction, leading to recurring cracks and now, dangerous potholes.
“When we came into office, we discovered that the waterlogged part of the runway was not properly constructed… leading to constant cracks and potholes. These obviously put the lives of the travelling public at great risk,” he said.
Keyamo disclosed that he personally inspected the runway shortly after assuming office and was “totally displeased” with the contractor’s work.
Despite months of palliative repairs, he added, the situation has deteriorated significantly. “The cracks on the runway are becoming craters,” he warned.
While apologising for the disruption, the minister said that all scheduled flights to Enugu will be redirected to other nearby airports during the repair period. He assured Nigerians that the government would “work tirelessly to meet the timeline.”
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) also confirmed the temporary closure in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah.
