*Hadi Sirika, Minister for Aviation, says the Federal Government’s mandate to Lagos State on the airport project enjoys accelerated approval to further link Lagos and South-West to international markets and regional trade

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to the Federal Government’s recent approval for the construction of the Lekki International Airport in the Lekki-Epe axis of the cosmopolitan state, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said the aviation facility will improve accessibility for businesses within Lagos.

ConsumerConnect reports  Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this when Hadi Sirika, Honourable Minister for Aviation, presented the approval document to him Tuesday at the Lagos Economic Summit (Ehingbeti) 2022, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.

The governor noted that the current Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, is congested, and that the creation of the new airport at Lekki is apt to the innovations in that part of the state.

Sirika also said the Federal mandate to the Lagos State Government on the airport project enjoyed accelerated approval, because of the growing need to further link Lagos and South-West to international markets and regional trade.

The project will transform the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Lagos and create jobs for the national economy, said the Minister.

According to Sirika, the airport would complement the existing Murtala Muhammed International Airport whose operation is overstretched.

He further stated: “There has been an expansion in Lagos, from Eko Atlantic City to Lekki Free Trade Zones.

“This growth necessitated the need for another airport in Lagos.

“We will deploy our statutory agencies to ensure the project is done in compliance with international standards.” Sanwo-Olu, who noted that he is excited about the project, stressed that Lagos would be better accessible for the businesses within it.

He said: “Granting the licence for the airport project is a right step in the right direction.

“For us, it is all about partnerships with the Federal Government and the ministry of aviation, but the real beneficiaries are the citizens, the businesses we are trying to activate more.”

The real beneficiaries of the airport,the governor stated, will be the citizens and the businesses as it offers them a platform to thrive.

Sanwo-Olu described the approval as another successful step forward towards delivering his administration’s agenda of Greater Lagos and keeping the state on the path of irreversible economic prosperity.

He added: “The foundation of growth is building requisite infrastructure and creating platforms for businesses to thrive.

“This aviation infrastructure will reduce journey time and make commercial hubs in Lagos easily accessible.

“It would help investors to make the best local and international business decisions, given all the investments that have been brought to the Lekki Free Trade Zone.”