FAAN Shuts Down Gombe, Kebbi Airports Over N732m debts

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) has withdrawn its Aviation Security and Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting personnel from Gombe and Kebbi Airports.

This is on account of a debt of over N732 million indebtedness by the airports to FAAN.

The withdrawal of these FAAN-provide from both airports, technically grounded flight operations. The withdrawal of these services took effect from midnight of May 1.

According to FAAN, Gombe Airport, which is owned by the Gombe State Government, owes the authority N607. 9 million, while Kebbi Airport operated by the Kebbi State Government owes FAAN N124. 5 million.

FAAN, in a Notice To Airmen, earlier in April had threatened to withdraw services from the airports and others indebted to the agency and had given them a deadline of April 30 to clear their outstanding debts.

According to the notice: “The authority shall be constrained to commence the implementation of sanctions at the expiration of this notice If the organizations fail or refuse to pay up as advised.

“In view of the above, the authority hereby notifies private airport operators that the services of our Aviation Security and Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting personnel will no longer be available for the operations of their airports with effect from May 1.”

The agency had noted that it could no longer keep this personnel at the airports working without payment by the operators and owners.