Bayelsa optimistic of improved export, tourism with international cargo airport

The Bayelsa State Government on Wednesday, said the state owned multi-billion Cargo International Airport will help ease problems associated with exportation of goods and services and create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths population.

The government who described the airport as a necessity, said as a state that sits at the centre of the Gulf of Guinea, the airport will be strategic for the coordination of the defense of the country and attract foreign investors and tourists to the state.

The government insisted that the cargo airport will be ready by the end of August this year, but noted that the date of its inauguration will be determined by President Muhammadu Buhari, who is expected to officially declare the facility open.

Commissioner of Works in the state, Lawrence Erujakpor told journalists during an inspection that the government was working closely with the contractors to ensure that the 3.5 kilometre runway airport will start receiving flights before commissioning.

However, he said the August 27 date initially released to the media was not sacrosanct, stressing that Governor Seriake Dickson and the President would have to agree on a date which is convenient to both leaders.

The government said that the runway, arguably the longest in the country was sand-filled to a height of 12.5 ft by 200 metres and would welcome direct flights to and fro the airport from most parts of the world.

When Guardian visited the airport yesterday, contractors were seen putting finishing touches to some facilities at the airport, including the terminal building, control tower, hangar, police station and fire bay.

The airport is wholly funded by the Governor Seriake Dickson led administration of Bayelsa government.