The Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika has assured of the necessary support and guidance to any State that embarks on airport projects so as to ensure it meets up to internationally set standards.
He made this known when he received Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano in his office recently. The Aviation Minister also lauded Gov. Willie Obiano for embarking on a cargo airport project which is touted to positively impact the economic development of the state and the South East region in general.
According to Sirika, airports can be viable if they are built with specific objectives in mind. Thus he expressed optimism that the Anambra airport will be successful in serving the interests of the trading population of the state and environs.
He advised the Governor to sustain the ongoing collaboration with the regulatory authorities to ensure that all regulations and guidelines for the construction and operation of airports are met.
It will be recalled that Governor Willie Obiano had earlier stated that the Anambra International Cargo Airport, located at Umueri will be ready for commissioning in April 2021 and that the state would be honoured to have the minister perform the task.
His words: “We are sure of the date because we have the money to complete it. We are not asking for any assistance, neither are we taking any loans. I am here personally to brief you on the project and to invite you to commission it for us in April 2021”.
The decision to embark on the airport project according to the Governor was informed by the need to cater to the economic interests of the state and its environs.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the airport has the second-longest runway in the country, after the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, and it was built with the best available materials, with a guaranteed lifespan of 100 years.
He said, “The airport is just a few kilometres from Onitsha town, the economic nerve centre of the south-east region. It is strategically located and is a worthwhile investment.
Rounding up, he noted that the construction of the airport has been guided by recommendations and guidelines of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as it hopes to meet the best international standards.
InlandTown! 2020
