Senate Urges Conversion Of Oloibiri Shell Airstrip To NAF Base

The Senate has urged the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Management to handover the abandoned Shell Airstrip in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, to the Nigerian Air Force for conversion into its base.

This followed adoption of a motion at plenary on Thursday on urgent need for transformation of the abandoned Shell Airstrip at Oloibiri Oil Well one in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to an Air Force Base.

The motion was sponsored by Senator Sunday Agadaga (PDP-Bayelsa).

Presenting the motion, Agadaga said Shell Airstrip was constructed in 1958 following the first discovery of crude oil in 1956 at Oloibiri Oil well one.

Sen. Victor Umeh, OFR (LP-Anambra) said there was need to preserve certain historical monuments, like Oloibiri, adding that the conversion of the airstrip to an Air Force base would make Oloibiri a national monument, given its contribution as the first oil well in Nigeria.

He said the conversion would also ensure further economic prosperity for the nation.