Senate Urges Transformation of Abandoned Shell Airstrip into Air Force Base

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Senate has rallied behind a motion to repurpose the abandoned Shell Airstrip located at Oloibiri oil well in Bayelsa State, advocating for its conversion into a modern Air Force base.

The motion, presented by Senator Sunday Agadaga of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) representing Bayelsa State, was unanimously adopted, reflecting bipartisan support for the initiative.

Senator Agadaga highlighted the historical significance of the Shell Airstrip, constructed in 1958 following the discovery of crude oil at Oloibiri Oil Well 1 in 1956.

He lamented the airstrip’s neglect since the decline of Shell’s operations in the area, emphasizing its potential as a valuable asset for the community and the nation.

“The land itself appears to have been sentenced to perpetual condemnation as no agricultural activity, which is the economic mainstay of the local dwellers, can be carried out anymore due to the concretized topography of the soil,” Senator Agadaga remarked.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Isah Jibrin of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kogi State expressed reservations regarding the project’s cost implications. While neither fully supporting nor opposing the motion, he cautioned against overlooking the financial burden on the government.

In contrast, Senator Adams Oshiomole of the APC representing Edo State underscored the benefits of converting the airstrip into an Air Force base, particularly in addressing security challenges in the region.

Similarly, Senator Maidoki Garuba of the PDP from Kebbi State emphasized the potential of the conversion to bolster national security efforts and curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

Adding to the discussion, Senator Victor Umeh of the Labour Party (LP) representing Anambra State emphasized the importance of preserving historical monuments like Oloibiri.

He stressed that the conversion would not only enhance security but also elevate Oloibiri to a national monument, commemorating its status as the site of Nigeria’s first oil well.

In his closing remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the need to preserve historical landmarks like the Oloibiri Shell Airstrip.

He highlighted the potential of converting it into an Air Force base to enhance security and emergency response capabilities, especially given its proximity to the Gulf of Guinea.

Akpabio expressed optimism that the government would recognize the urgency of reconstructing the airstrip into an Air Force base to address potential challenges effectively.

The Senate’s unanimous support for the motion signals a collective commitment to harnessing the potential of abandoned infrastructure for national development and security enhancement.