Recent happenings in and around the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos is giving credence to the belief that the long neglected international airport may after all be on its way to prosperity. First, it was the handover of the major road leading to the airport from Oshodi, which has long been in a deplorable state, and a disservice to the image of the country. Following the award of the contract by the state government for the rehabilitation of the road, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) swung into action by putting logistics in place to ensure a hit-free construction period. In a statement by its General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, the agency said, “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to notify passengers and other airport users that the Lagos State Government has commenced the reconstruction of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Road, Lagos. “Appealing for understanding from all while the project lasts, FAAN urges passengers and other airport users plying the road to always leave their homes earlier than usual, so as to be able to get to the airport in good time and also avoid missing their flights.” According to the statement, the project, which will last for 15 months, is aimed at expanding the road to make it better for users. The design of the project includes the reconstruction and expansion of the existing carriage to a three-lane expressway in both directions, construction of two-lane service road in both directions, construction of a ramp bridge to provide a U-turn from Ajao Estate to the airport, and construction of a flyover at NAHCO/Toll Gate, as well as drainage work. In a related development, history was made recently, October 4, 2017, when the biggest multi-layer purpose built car park was commissioned in Lagos at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. Speaking during the commissioning of the outstanding edifice, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engineer Saleh Dunoma said the facility is long overdue and also timely as “it will improve passenger facilitation and reduce the menace of indiscriminate parking within and around the airport”. He added that “the project is one of the numerous partnerships FAAN has, and is exploring to improve the infrastructural developments at our airports”. The MD who was represented by the Executive Director of FAAN in charge of Engineering Service, Engr. Salisu Daura, explained that the “event is a testament of a Public Private Partnership with FAAN and Seymour Aviation Limited. “The facility which is being commissioned today is a six level car park facility of 1300 cars parking capacity built on a land measuring 9119.969m2, with a 30 years tenure”. Managing Director of Seymour Aviation Limited, Mr. Francis Ikenga, who applauded FAAN and Fidelity bank for their commitment in realising the project, said “the multi-level car park was conceived as part of our corporate aim of supporting FAAN’s objectives of making MMA a hub for the West African aviation industry and destination of choice to airport service providers and end users”. Though a lot still need to be done, these two developments are pointers to the fact that the oldest international airport in the country is quickly regaining its lost glory.]]>
