ART commends LASG over plans to build an airport in Ibeju-Lekki, advocates for PPP
The Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) has commended the Lagos State Government over its decision to build a state-owned airport in the Ibeju-Lekki axis of the state.
The ASRTI, which represents a body of aviation stakeholders, professionals and pundits, said building an airport in that axis of the state would serve a good purpose, as it will cater for the growing population and businesses.
The ASRTI, however, called on the government to adopt a Public Private Partnership (PPP) business model with a view to shielding the airport from unforeseen government-induced challenges.
“The ASRTI 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 potential 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 benefit of 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,” a statement signed by the ASRTI spokesperson, Olumide Ohunayo said.
The ASRTI also called on the government and other relevant authorities to repair cenotaphs located in various areas in the state as a sign of honour to the fallen passengers and crew members who died in plane crashes.
“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 honour our fallen citizens. Therefore, roads leading to these sites should be fixed for accessibility,” said ASRTI.
