The Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative ( ASRTI) on Tuesday expressed its support of the decision of the Lagos State Government to build an airport in the Lekki axis.
The association advocates a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model and stresses the need for the Ministry of Aviation through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to give necessary support and approvals for the project.
The ASRTI, in a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary, Mr Olumide Ohunayo, said that the think-tank believes the project would cater to the bourgeoning population and businesses around the Lekki industrial layout.
The statement said that the corridor had been steadily expanding, which created logistics and traffic nightmares that have affected economic opportunities in the area.
It read: “Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative whole-heartedly welcomes the decision of the Lagos State Government to build an airport in the Lekki axis to cater to the bourgeoning population and businesses around the Lekki industrial layout.
“Despite prior promises and the potentials including the extensive plans for the development of the area over the years, the project never took off and the Lekki corridor continued to expand, creating congestion, logistic and traffic chaos, impacting the economic and business opportunities in the area.
“For the benefits to Lagos, we strongly advocate for a Public Private Partnership (PPP) and the need for the regulator, the NCAA, and the Federal Ministry of Aviation to give the necessary support and approvals for this project.
“We are also calling on the relevant agencies and tiers of government, to as a matter of urgency, commence with the repair of the Cenotaphs erected to honour the fallen air passengers at Lisa, Epe and Ejigbo respectively.
” These sites serve as a memorial of the dark history of our industry and to honour to our fallen citizens.
” Therefore, roads leading to these sites should be fixed for accessibility.”
Recall that the Lagos State Government had indicated its willingness to begin construction of an airport in Lekki in 2023.
