The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) this week made good on its threats to remove abandoned and derelict aircraft from airport environs starting with the cleanup of Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport where, it is reported, 13 aircraft are awaiting disposal. |
| Abandoned 737s in Lagos (KIwelumo) |
According to Nigerian press reports, of the 13 aircraft identified for removal in Lagos, 8 are Boeing 737-200s. Work is expected to last 2 weeks with the aircraft being taken to a local scrap mill. Thereafter, the commission will move onto Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport before covering the rest of the country.
The General Manager of Corporate
Communications at FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati, said that after the completion of the exercise in Lagos, another contractor would deal with derelict aircraft in Abuja.
“Airports are not dumping grounds for any operator. We are more concerned about the safety and security implications of these aircraft at the airports. Even, there is an environmental implications for this. We are determined to create a world class airport environment for our users. Leaving them here now does not make any economical benefit to the owners (sic). It’s better we remove them from the airport and make the environment friendly to investors,” he said.
Source [The Tribune]
One of the
contractors handling the project at the Lagos airport, AAYU Steel Mills,
said the aircraft would be recycled in Lagos before being
transported to Kebbi State.
Past attempts by the FAAN have been thwarted by legal proceedings instigated by the aircrafts' owners.