NCAA to support Sanwo-Olu in Ibeju-Lekki Airport construction
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Lagos State Government convened with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to finalise plans for the Ibeju-Lekki Airport, emphasising its critical role in addressing the State’s growing transport needs.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State opened the meeting by thanking NCAA and FAAN officials for their attendance.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated the airport’s importance, recalling its inclusion in the state’s 2007 Master Plan and a feasibility study confirming its viability. Despite past delays, he expressed renewed commitment, highlighting that 4,000 hectares have been earmarked for the project.
According to a statement DailyeconAmy obtained on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu while reflecting on his five years in office, brought out significant developments in the eastern part of Lagos, where several industries have been established, stressing that the growth 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 approved the establishment of an aerodrome in Ibeju-Lekki.
However, he asserted that the project had garnered considerable interest and that Lagos State had engaged a consultant (DAR) to oversee the initiative.
Nevertheless, Sanwo-Olu 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.
In response, NCAA’s Acting Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo, who led the NCAA delegation confirmed federal approval but stressed the need for an official declaration from Lagos State to proceed. He assured support for the project in line with Nigeria’s ease of doing business policy.
The statement partly reads, “Captain Najomo, provided an overview of the project from the NCAA’s perspective, confirming that the Authority had received approval for the project from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
“However, he noted 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.”
“Captain 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.”
However, the meeting concluded positively, with Governor Sanwo-Olu expressing optimism about collaboration with federal agencies to ensure successful project implementation.
“In closing, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced that 4,000 hectares of land had been earmarked for the proposed Ibeju-Lekki Airport.
“He expressed gratitude to the 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,” the statement summed up.
In attendance at the meeting were the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Godwin Balang; General Manager, of Aerodrome Standards, Bayode Boluwaji Sunday; and the Airport Certification Team Lead, Dr Uyiekpen Asuen.
