TheCable

The Enugu government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have announced plans to set up a committee on the infrastructural upgrade of the state’s airport.

The upgrade includes the completion and operationalisation of the international terminal, as well as the construction of a cargo terminal and warehouses at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

Speaking during a meeting with the state government on Thursday, Olubunmi Kuku, managing director of FAAN, said upon completion, the infrastructural upgrade would stimulate economic growth in the south-east region.

She said the upgrade would generate wealth, alleviate poverty, and boost the gross domestic product (GDP) of the states in the area.

Kuku said airports serve as drivers of economic development, noting that allocating just one percent of a state’s budget to an airport could potentially triple the state’s GDP.

“In this regard, we welcome the nomination of experts from the state and from FAAN to join a committee that will commence further actions and with timelines,” the FAAN boss said.

“That will aid in signing the necessary memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the immediate implementation of the project as envisioned by the governor.”

Also speaking, Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, reaffirmed his commitment to establishing the state as a preferred destination for investment, tourism, and residency.

The governor said he aims to boost the state’s economy from its current $4.4 billion GDP to $30 billion within the next four to eight years.

Achieving such significant growth, according to Mbah, requires creating the appropriate environment, which includes world-class airport, aviation, and logistics services to attract private investors to the state.

“For example, in our plan for tourism, we have projected to have over three million visitors come into Enugu state every year from next year,” he said.

“So, when we think in numbers, in terms of logistics, we will be expecting over 100 flights to come into Enugu on a daily basis and the current infrastructure cannot handle it.

“Therefore, we are going to work with you to operationalise the international wing of the airport. We are also interested in constructing the cargo terminal and warehouses.

“We are hoping that we get this committee sitting done and concluded within the next two weeks. So, by the next time we will meet, it will just be to sign the dotted lines. This is a priority for us as government.”

Mbah said the previous issues with the Nigerian Air Force regarding the proposed location for the cargo terminal have been resolved through the signing of a MoU with the military service.

As a result, there are no obstacles preventing the start of the project, the governor said.

According to a statement issued after the meeting, the committee will be led by Obi Ozor, the state commissioner for transportation, with Hycienth Ngwu, FAAN’s head of business development, serving as the co-chair.