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By Sade Williams
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has asked the Lagos State Government to submit an official declaration of intent to the Authority, to enable it provide technical guidance and regulatory oversight for the construction of the airport.
Captain Chris Najomo, Director General of the Authority who provided an overview of the project from the NCAA’s perspective, confirmed that the Authority had received approval for the project from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
He noted however that the Lagos State Government had not yet submitted an official declaration of intent to the NCAA, which is required for the Authority to provide technical guidance and regulatory oversight.
“In accordance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), the Lagos State Government must submit this declaration at least 180 days prior to the commencement of construction.”, he said in a meeting between the Authority and officials of the state government at the weekend, seeking clarifications on plans for the airport.
Najomo assured the Governor of the NCAA’s commitment to supporting the project, in line with Nigeria’s ease of doing business policy.
He urged the Lagos State Government to submit the necessary documents to enable the Authority to guide them through the requirements for obtaining the Authority’s approval for the airport’s construction.
The Governor, Babajide Saneo-Olu noted that the idea of an additional airport was first considered in 2008.
He added that a feasibility study conducted between 2008 and 2010 concluded that the project was viable. However, due to unforeseen setbacks, progress was delayed.
Reflecting on his five years in office, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted significant developments in the eastern part of Lagos, where several industries have been established.
This growth, he said renewed the State Government’s determination to revisit the airport project.
He mentioned that discussions had taken place with the former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who had granted approval for the establishment of an aerodrome in Ibeju-Lekki.
The Governor affirmed that the project had garnered considerable interest and that Lagos State had engaged a consultant (DAR) to oversee the initiative.
However, he stressed the importance of seeking regulatory approval from the NCAA before moving forward to avoid any potential challenges. He further explained that the proposed airport is a crucial component of the State’s broader transport master plan.
Sanwo-Olu announced that 4,000 hectares of land had been earmarked for the proposed Ibeju-Lekki Airport. He expressed gratitude to NCAA for their participation in the meeting and stated that the engagement was encouraging. The Governor concluded by reiterating that collaboration with federal agencies would lead to better outcomes for the project.
