The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Saturday affirmed its support for the Lagos State Government in the proposed Ibeju-Lekki Airport.
The regulatory body gave this affirmation during a joint meeting to discuss the overview and highlights of the project in Lagos.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, in his address, said that the meeting was to engage with the regulatory authorities and seek clarification regarding the vision of the proposed airport in Ibeju-Lekki.
According to him, the Lagos State’s Master Plan of 2007 included the redesign of the eastern region of the state (Epe), and the concept of an airport emerged as a solution to the challenge of having only one serving Lagos.
The governor noted that a feasibility study conducted between 2008 and 2010 concluded that the project was viable, but unforeseen challenges led to delays in its implementation.
Reflecting on his five years in office, Sanwo-Olu highlighted significant developments in the eastern part of Lagos, while adding that several industries had been established.
“This growth renewed the state government’s determination to revisit the airport project,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu mentioned that discussions had taken place with the former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who had granted approval for the establishment of an aerodrome in Ibeju-Lekki.
He affirmed that the project had garnered considerable interest and that Lagos State had engaged a consultant (DAR) to oversee the initiative.
He, however, stressed the importance of seeking regulatory approval from the NCAA before moving forward to avoid any potential challenges.
According to him, the proposed airport is a crucial component of the state’s broader transport master plan.
The governor announced that 4,000 hectares of land had been earmarked for the proposed Ibeju-Lekki Airport.
The NCAA’s Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, speaking from the NCAA’s perspective, confirmed that the authority had received approval for the project from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
He hinted that the state government had not yet submitted an official declaration of intent to the NCAA, which is required for the authority to provide technical guidance and regulatory oversight.
He said that in accordance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), the Lagos State Government must submit this declaration at least 180 days prior to the commencement of construction.
Najomo assured the governor of NCAA’s commitment to supporting the project, in line with Nigeria’s ease of doing business policy.
He urged the Lagos State Government to submit the necessary documents to enable the authority to guide them through the requirements for obtaining the approval for the airport’s construction.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting had in attendance, Najomo, NCAA’s Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Mr Godwin Balang; General Manager, Aerodrome Standards, Mr Bayode Boluwaji Sunday and the Airport Certification Team Lead, Dr Uyiekpen Asuen.
The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, was also present at the meeting.
