Ibeju-Lekki Airport Viable, Says Sanwo-Olu

LAGOS – The Lagos State government has said that feasibility study conducted by the government revealed that the construction of Ibeju-Lekki Airport in the state was viable, but regretted the delay in the take-off of the project.

This is as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said that he was awaiting the submission of the declaration of intent to it by the State government, which must be submitted at least 180 days before the commencement of work.

The apex regulatory body said that the submission of intent was in accordance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).

The Ibeju-Lekki Airports is on 4,000 hectares of land. These were contained in a statement by Mr. Michael Achimugu, the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA, during a meeting with Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor in the state where the latter sought clarification, plans and shared his vision for the proposed airport in Ibeju-Lekki.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the feasibility study conducted by the state in between 2008 to 2010, indicated that the idea of a second airport in the state was considered a viable project.

He explained that citing of the airport in the eastern part of the state, where several industries had been established in recent time would make the airport project a success.

He explained that the recent growth in the area, however, renewed the State Government’s determination to revisit the airport project.

According to him, discussions had taken place with Sen. Hadi Sirika, the immediate past Minister of Aviation, who he said granted approval for the establishment of an aerodrome in Ibeju-Lekki.

He added that the project had garnered considerable interest as the state government had engaged a consultant to oversee the initiative.

But, noted that it was important for the government to seek regulatory approval from the NCAA before moving forward to avoid any potential challenges.

He insisted that the proposed airport was a crucial component of the State’s broader transport master plan. He added: “In 2007, Lagos State’s master plan included the redesign of the eastern region of the state (Epe), where the concept of an airport emerged as a necessary solution to the challenges posed by having only one airport serving Lagos.”

In his response, Capt. Chris Najomo, the Ag. Director-General Civil Aviation (ADGCA), who led other management team of NCAA to the visit, provided an overview of the project from the authority’s perspective.

He also confirmed that the NCAA had received approval for the project from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.