Lagos Governor meets NCAA, FAAN on proposed state airport

L-R: Captain Chris Najomo, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has met with the Acting Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo and the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku to seek clarification and approval before work commences on the proposed state airport at Ibeju-Lekki. 

The governor disclosed that 4,000 hectares of land had been earmarked for the proposed Ibeju-Lekki Airport and hared the state’s vision for the proposed airport, highlighting its significance in addressing the challenges posed by having only one airport serving Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the idea of an additional airport was first considered in 2008, and a feasibility study conducted between 2008 and 2010 concluded that the project was viable. However, progress was delayed due to unforeseen setbacks. 

The Governor reflected on significant developments in the eastern part of Lagos, where several industries have been established, and mentioned that discussions had taken place with the former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who had granted approval for the establishment of an aerodrome in Ibeju-Lekki.

He stated that the engagement was encouraging and that the project had garnered considerable interest.

Responding, the NCAA Acting Director General, Capt. Chris 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.

Capt. 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.

The NCAA delegation was led by the Acting Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo, accompanied by the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang; General Manager, Aerodrome Standards, Engr. Bayode Boluwaji Sunday; and the Airport Certification Team Lead, Dr. Uyiekpen Asuen.