By HUSSAINA YAKUBU

Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State has pledged to ensure that the Kaduna airport and the state were safe and secured for the people, staff, passengers and surrounding communities.

The governor made the commitment when he received a delegation of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, led by the Managing Director, Capt. Hamisu Yadudu on a courtesy visit in Kaduna, on Thursday.

He explained that the problem of banditry has taken a new dimension in the Northwest zone, saying the recent resurgence in Kaduna was as a result of operations in neighbouring states of Katsina and Zamfara.

The governor however assured that his administration was working actively with the Federal security agencies to put measures in place.

He said the airport was one of the most important public installation in the state and the government would do everything possible to protect it.

The Managing Director, FAAN, decried recent attacks on airport staff at either their houses, around the airport or on their way to work.

Yadudu said the attacks have damaging consequences on the airport operations because of the non-safety of passengers, staff and the business environment.

He explained that the attacks can destroy confidence, the aviation services as well as cripple economic activities.

He therefore solicited more of Gov. El-Rufai’s support and assistance, by working with FAAN management and Kaduna airport in particular, to resolve the challenges.

The managing director prayed that government’s active response to their calls for assistance would restore all stakeholders and personnel confidence in the sector. (NAN)