Akure Airport for upgrade in N6 billion federal plan

Akure Airport has been selected among the four aerodromes to benefit from the N6 billion worth of infrastructure development plan of the Federal Government.

The airport, The Guardian learnt will get N1.175 billion worth equipment.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State government has commended the move, describing it as heartwarming.

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Yemi Olowolabi, who gave the hint to journalists recently in Akure, said the inclusion was sequel to the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to inject N6 billion for the acquisition of Instrument Landing Systems (ILSs)at four airport of the 26 airports in the country.

Olowolabi said the attraction in Akure Airport is not unconnected with the State governor’s efforts at showcasing the investment potential of Ondo State to the global business community.

He since the inception of Governor Akeredolu’s administration, several steps had been taken to attract global attention to the Akure Airport.

“Governor Akeredolu, through patronage, helped to revive the moribund Lagos-Akure route and also activated Abuja-Akure route. It will interest you that both routes now operate daily flights to the state.”

The Commissioner disclosed that within his first one year in office, the attention the governor paid to the airport brought about the collaboration between the state and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The collaboration, he added, led to the building of a temporary terminal due to the encouraging traffic at the facility, saying “the governor facilitated the coming of Air Peace Airlines to the state which fly Lagos-Akure route and also encouraged Overland Airways on Abuja- Akure route; both now operate daily to and fro the state capital.”

The Federal Executive Council at its weekly meeting presided over by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, recently approved contracts totalling N6 billion for four different airports in the country.

While briefing newsmen on details of the approval, the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, disclosed that N2.588 billion was approved for aeronautical information system that would give accurate information, including weather information, to pilots and other aviators.

Sirika also said that the council approved N1.188bn to upgrade the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Category III status.

The Minister added that the contract would include the provision of Instrument Landing System for aircraft operations in harsh weather conditions.