TheCable

Hadi Sirika, minister of state for aviation, says the federal government has approved that the Benin Airport be upgraded to international standard in 12 months.

Sirika made this known during a courtesy visit to the Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo State, on Monday.

Sirika said the approval was due to the fact the Benin Airport is one of the oldest airports in Nigeria and that the zone needs a standard international airport to serve its growing economic interests.

He added that the airport will be fitted with necessary facilities within 12 months.

“Plans have been concluded to upgrade landing system with adequate radio equipment that will enable the Airport to handle both day and night operations, even in adverse weather conditions,” he said.

“There are plans to also extend the runway at the Benin Airport to enable it to handle the high volume of traffic with the capacity to accommodate cargo planes.

“We will work with Edo state government to ensure that within the next 12 months, Benin Airport will become an international standard airport with all the necessary aviation equipment in place.”

Commenting on the news, Obaseki said: “This is the most astonishing news I have heard as a governor this year.”

He also said the upgrade of the Benin Airport to an international standard will complement the state’s strategic geographical location.