***Airport To Be Functional In April, Says Obiano
Members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation have expressed satisfaction at the quality of work at the International Airport Umueri, Anambra State. They commended Governor Willie Obiano, who had taken the NASS Committee members and other stakeholders on a facility tour around the airport, for embarking on the project.
Speaking after the tour, the committee chairman, Senator Smart Adeyemi said they were impressed with the quality of work, describing the project as a masterpiece, which will elevate the status of both the citizenry and the state’s revenue.
He said: “Aviation industry is very important for the development of a nation. By my observation, this is one of the best airports. I have travelled to several countries and I am not in doubt. I have seen the infrastructure and a lot of other things going on.
“You (Governor Obiano) have not only helped to accelerate economic development of the Southeast, but also that of Anambra State and Nigeria in general. People in the Southeast are highly endowed with development.”
He expressed worry that most airports in Nigeria are not viable, suggesting that they should handle many passengers, adding that Lagos airport contributes about 65 percent of revenue to the state.
Earlier, Obiano, who described the airport as a landmark for Anambra State and the Southeast, assured that it would be opened in April this year. He said the facilities, including the arrival hall, terminal, the control tower, apron, car park and the departure hall are ready for use.
While describing some of the facilities, he said the tower has a life span of 300 years, car park has capacity for 700 vehicles, the terminal is designed to accommodate 400 passengers at a time, as well as space for 36 shops. Security gadgets are installed.
He said: “The runway is one of the longest in Africa and it is 100 percent completed. You can land from either side of the runway, and it can carry any type of aircraft. It has a satellite lighting system.”
