.. As CAA Directs State To Submit Official Declaration Of Intent In Line With Nig.CARs
The Lagos State Government through the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu,has solicited the support of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)in the construction of the proposed state government’s airport at Ibeju-Lekki
The support by the state was solicited at a meeting between the state and NCAA.
Sanwo-Olu, who expressed appreciation to the management teams of the NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for honouring his emphasised that the purpose of the meeting was to engage with the regulatory authorities to seek clarification, discuss Lagos State’s plans, and share their vision for the proposed airport in Ibeju-Lekki.
He recounted that in 2007, Lagos State’s Master Plan included the redesign of the eastern region of the state (Epe), where the concept of an airport emerged as a necessary solution to the challenges posed by having only one airport serving Lagos.
The Governor noted that the idea of an additional airport was first considered in 2008 and that a feasibility study conducted between 2008 and 2010 concluded that the project was viable but that due to unforeseen setbacks, progress was delayed.
Reflecting on his five years in office, Sanwo-Olu highlighted significant developments in the eastern part of Lagos, where several industries have been established.
This growth, he noted 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, , Senator Hadi Sirika, who he stated had granted approval for the establishment of an aerodrome in Ibeju-Lekki.
The Governor affirmed that the project had garnered considerable interest and that Lagos State had engaged a consultant (DAR) to oversee the initiative.
However, he stressed the importance of seeking regulatory approval from the NCAA before moving forward to avoid any potential challenges, explaining that the proposed airport is a crucial component of the State’s broader transport master plan.
Responding, the CAA’s Acting Director-General, Capt. Chris 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.
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 submitted an official declaration of intent to the NCAA, which is required for the authority to provide technical guidance and regulatory oversight.
He stated that 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.
Sanwo-Olu informed that 4,000 hectares of land had been earmarked for the proposed Ibeju-Lekki Airport.
He expressed gratitude to NCAA for its participation in the meeting and stated that the engagement was encouraging, reiterating that collaboration with federal agencies would lead to better outcomes for the project.
Najomo was accompanied to the meeting by the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang; General Manager, Aerodrome Standards, Engr. Bayode Sunday; and the Airport Certification Team Lead, Dr. Uyiekpen Asuen.
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