By Uzor Odigbo
Anambra State Governor Chief Willie Obiano has announced that the Anambra International Cargo Airport, located at Umueri will be ready for commissioning in April 2021.
He said this while visiting the Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika in his office.
Obiano told the Minister that the decision to embark on the airport project was informed by the need to cater to the economic interests of the state and its environs.
The airport, he reiterated has the second-longest runway in the country, after the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, built with the best available materials, with a guaranteed lifespan of 100 years.
“We are sure of the date because we have the money to complete it. We are not asking for any assistance, neither are we taking any loans. I am here personally to brief you on the project and to invite you to commission it for us in April 2021”, he said.
“The airport is just a few kilometres from Onitsha town, the economic nerve centre of the south-east region. It is strategically located and is a worthwhile investment”, he added.
According to the Governor, the construction of the airport has been guided by recommendations and guidelines of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as it hopes to meet the best international standards
Responding, the Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika applauded the Anambra State government for embarking on a cargo airport project that will have a positive impact on the economic development of the state and the South East region.
The Minister who made the commendation said the Ministry of Aviation and its agencies will always give the necessary guide and cooperation to states embarking on such projects in order to ensure that all internationally set standards are met.
According to Sirika, airports can be viable if they are built with specific objectives in mind and expressed the belief that the Anambra airport will be successful in serving the interests of the trading population of the state and environs.
He advised the Governor to sustain the ongoing collaboration with the regulatory authorities to ensure that all regulations and guidelines for the construction and operation of airports are met.