By Mercy Adewunmi
The Nigerian Senate is pushing for a major transformation of the abandoned Shell Airstrip at Oloibiri oil well one, with plans to convert it into a modern Air Force Base in Bayelsa. This decision comes as a result of a motion put forward by Senator Benson Agadaga, representing Bayelsa East.
According to Senator Agadaga, the Shell Airstrip was initially constructed in 1958 on over 25 hectares of land after the first discovery of crude oil in 1956. However, since Shell’s departure from the Oloibiri oil field, the airstrip has been deserted and unused.
Lawmakers in the Senate expressed their disappointment over the neglect of the airstrip and the surrounding area, calling it desolate. They emphasized the importance of reviving the airstrip by upgrading it to an Air Force Base.
Senate President Godswil Akpabio supported the motion, stating that the transformation of the abandoned airstrip into an Air Force Base would bring hope to the people of the region. In addition to this, the Senate agreed that oil companies operating in Nigeria should contribute funds towards the upgrade of the airstrip.
This move by the Senate aims to revitalize the area and create new opportunities for development in Bayelsa.
