FG To Build New Airports In Five States

The Federal Government has announced plans to build five new domestic airports in some states as part of efforts to ensure easy movement of passengers and cargoes across the states.

This was made known on Monday in Abuja at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Aviation by the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka, while hosting the Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada.

The minister, who listed the benefitting states to include Bayelsa, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa and Ogun states, hinted that work on the new airports would soon commence.

Chidoka further revealed that the plan was in line with the Federal Government’s strategy of linking the states together and establishing cargo terminals across the country.

“Lokoja, being a historic town with different artifacts, has the capacity to serve as a tourist attraction that can generate a lot of revenue for the government. So, we are going to work with the Kogi State Government in the construction of the airport to attract investments to the state,” Chidoka said.

He expressed hopes that the proposed airports will further enhance the establishment of cargo terminals for the export of agricultural produce as well as increase Nigeria’s value addition capabilities.

According to the minister, the Federal Government was willing to collaborate with the five states in working out modalities to ensure seamless construction of the airports in their capital cities.

Responding, Governor Wada, assured the minister on his state readiness towards establishing a world class airport that would be the agricultural hub for the North Central.

He explained that his visit to the ministry was to solicit Federal Government’s collaboration on the construction of an airport in the state, adding that Kogi state was mainly into the production of different agricultural produce which the establishment of an airport would further boost its export potential.

Wada promised that his government would work in collaboration with the private investors in order to accomplish the construction of the airport.

Meanwhile, there was pandemonium at the overused Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on Thursday afternoon October 23, 2014, following fire outbreak in the top floor.

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