The Minster explained that Thursday’s meeting was a follow-up to the decision to temporarily shut down operations at the airport for six weeks in February and March.
According to the minister, the stakeholders’ forum will afford him with the opportunity to officially inform the sector’s players of the decision.
He said it is also to brief stakeholders on efforts being made to ensure that the use of the Kaduna international airport as an alternative during the six-week closure of the Abuja Airport is seamless and hitch-free.
SIRIKA further noted that stakeholders will also be expected to make their contributions and key into the plans to make their operations during the period less problematic.
He said the forum was in line with government’s belief in hearing people’s opinions in formulating and executing policies.
The minister said government is aware of the likely high level of discomfort and inconvenience the proposed closure of the airport would cause air transport passengers, airline operators and other service providers.
He also noted that the decision was informed by safety and security concerns, stressing that the government prefers to lose billions of dollars in revenue than to risk lives.
The minister’s position was contained in a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Press and Public Affairs in Ministry of Transportation, JAMES ODAUDU.
