Due to the prevailing economic hardship in the Warri axis of the state, occasioned by the withdrawal of air traffic services at the Osubi airport since September 3, 2018, the Delta State House of Assembly during Thursday, October 18, 2018 plenary, has called on the State Governor to intervene in the situation.
The House adopted a motion calling on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to interface with the Federal Ministry of Transport to prevail on the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to restore air traffic services at the Osubi airport.
The motion was moved under motion on notice by the member representing Ughelli South constituency, Hon. Reuben Izeze seconded by Hon. Orezi Esievo.
Opening the debate, Hon. Izeze said though the issue of airport management was under exclusive legislative list, the primary purpose of government as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended is the welfare and security of the people.
He said the withdrawal of air traffic services at the Osubi airport without any specific reason had made air travel difficult for people in Warri and its environs.
Other Lawmakers including Honourables Tim Owhefere, Anthony Elekeokwuri, Orezi Esievo and Johnson Erijo argued that the governor should interface with the Federal Ministry of Transport as the withdrawal of air traffic services at the Osubi airport was affecting the economy of Warri based on its strategic place in the nation’s oil and gas sector which is the main revenue earner for the country.
The lawmakers said the move by the federal government had made life difficult for oil companies who use the airport to transport their personnel to offshore areas.
They asserted that Warri plays crucial and vital to the economic life wire of the state and country as people now use the Benin, Port Harcourt and Owerri airports hence making life difficult.
The motion was adopted when put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.