The Federal Government has given the approval for the proposed Lekki International Airport in Lagos.
The Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika presented the official letter of approval for the proposed International Airport to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday at the ongoing ninth Ehingbeti Lagos Economic Summit at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island.
The minister noted that Lagos has the resources and exigencies for an additional airport, “which will help to decongest the Murtala International Airport.”
Speaking at the event, Sirika said the airport will link Nigeria to the world, and open Lagos to more international economic partnerships.
It would be recalled that a few days ago, Ope George, Special Adviser to the governor on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) during a media roundtable had disclosed that the project is expected to begin in 2023 and would be constructed on 3,500 hectares of land.
He said the state government had sought and obtained approval from the federal government for the construction of the new airport.
“The project is expected to take off in the year 2023, it will be constructed on 3,500 hectares of land, master plan and aeronautical designs are in place; while studies are ongoing about strategies, funding and other issues, after which the project will be taken to the market place,” he had said.
The airport, which is expected to cater to a minimum of five million people yearly, will be constructed in partnership with local and foreign investors.