Lagos Commits To Building Airport Despite Two-Year Delay

Lagos Commits To Building Airport Despite Two-Year Delay

The Lagos State Government has announced that there are no legal issues hindering the construction of an international airport in the Lekki region, aimed at complementing Murtala Muhammed Airport…READ MORE…

According to Gbenga Omotoso, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, all requisite documentation has been submitted to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to initiate the airport’s construction.

The Federal Government approved the airport’s construction on October 10, 2022, with plans for it to accommodate approximately five million passengers annually from the Lekki, Ajah, and Epe areas upon completion.

During the handover of the approval letter to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika remarked that Lagos was well-positioned to undertake the project due to its cosmopolitan character.

In an earlier report from October, IReporter indicated that legal disputes could potentially stall the project, particularly concerns over an agreement with Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, a terminal operator, which raised fears of conflicts with existing contracts.

Earlier this year, Omotoso had assured that constructing the airport would be a priority within the ambitious N2.2 trillion budget for 2024.

However, the project has seen delays of over two years since its initial approval, Omotoso clarified that the airport would be funded through public-private partnerships, with private investors expected to provide the necessary capital.

“I am unaware of any legal obstacles. The Federal Government has granted approval, and we have finalized all pertinent agreements with the federal airport authority,” Omotoso stated. “There are no legal impediments.”

He also confirmed that several investors have expressed interest in the project.

“We won’t be funding it directly from our budget. The project will be executed as a public-private partnership. It’s not feasible to set a specific completion date at this stage since funding must still be secured. The site has already been identified in the Aiyetoro area. The project is ongoing, and there’s no cause for concern.”

Omotoso emphasized that the Lekki International Airport is a top priority for Governor Sanwo-Olu, who has pledged to see the project to fruition by the end of his term.

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