NAMA has confirmed that it has restored air control services to the Osubi airstrip, also known as Warri Airport.
The agency in a statement signed by its head of communications, Khalid Emele said following appeals from well-meaning stakeholders and in consideration of the overall interest of the air travel public, it has resumed air traffic services at Osubi airstrip.
“This decision is consequent upon the payment of N31 million by Shoreline Oil Services Ltd, operators of the airstrip, being part payment of accumulated charges for the provision of air traffic services at the airstrip by NAMA. The payment leaves Shoreline Oil Services with a debt balance of N566, 422, 000.50 as of today (yesterday), the 28th October, 2018.”
NAMA said it took the difficult decision to withdraw air traffic services to Osubi airstrip after Shoreline Oil Services persistently refused to honour financial obligation to us despite several entreaties.
“As a responsible corporate citizen and provider of critical services to the nation’s civil aviation sector, we felt obliged to restore our services to the airstrip with the understanding that Shoreline Oil Services will take full advantage of this window of opportunity to make additional payment that will substantially defray the above N566, 422, 000.50 debt as well as agree on a concrete and workable payment plan that will clear the outstanding balance.
“It is our hope that going forward, and in the spirit of the renewed understanding between both organisations, Shoreline will reciprocate this gesture by paying for our services as and when due,” NAMA said.
The agency also explained that it did not shut down the airstrip; rather, it withdrew its services, noting that it does not have the powers to shut down any airport or airstrip.
“Finally, we would like to reassure all our service users, stakeholders and the general public that NAMA remains committed to its goal of providing seamless air traffic services in a safe, economic and efficient manner,” the agency also said.
