Upgrade of Benin Airport to International Cargo Terminal status underway
Implementation of the upgrade of the Benin Airport to international cargo terminal status by the federal government will soon begin.
The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika who dropped the hint during his recent visit to the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, observed that the approval was informed by the fact that 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 revealed that part of the new architecture will include the fitting of enabling facilities within 12-months, as part of the plans to upgrade it to an international standard.
Sirika added that “Plans have been concluded to upgrade landing system with adequate radio equipment that will enable the Airport handle both day and night operations, even in adverse weather conditions.
“There are plans to also extend the runway at the Benin Airport to enable it handle high volume of traffic with capacity to accommodate cargo planes.”
Continuing, he the Minister of State said, “Aviation connects businesses, trade, cultures, nations and people. With a standard airport in place, it becomes easy to achieve economic growth and development. 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.”
In his response, elated Governor Obaseki commended the effort to make the Benin Airport an International Airport, saying, “This is the most astonishing news I have heard as a governor this year.”
Obaseki noted that the fresh move to raise the status of Benin Airport, goes further to show the federal government’s commitment to support efforts to industrialise the state.
“Our hope is that all the economic activities that will be generated from this critical investment will drive commence across the state and the country”.
The Governor argued that the emerging status of the airport will further raise infrastructure assurances to both existing and new investors in the state.
Already, he said among the first set of gainers in the new airport status will include the likes of business operators at the upcoming Benin Industrial Park, Gelegele Sea Port and other laudable investments.
“The effort this administration has made since assuming office is gradually paying off with the assurance coming from the Minister that in a couple of months, work will commence in Benin Airport to upgrade it to international standard.
“This administration is working hard to transform Edo State to an economic hub. What is missing is rail transport linking the state with other parts of the country. The upgrade of the Benin Airport to international standard will complement our strategic geographical location,” the governor noted.
