KEY POINTS

• Despite a delay on construction of two years, Lagos restates commitment to projects.
• It will be funded in the public private partnership model.
• There are no legal hurdles, and several investors have already expressed interest.

According to Lagos state government, it will still build the Lekki International Airport it received approval to develop from Federal Government about two years ago, though two years after the approval, the project is yet to kick off.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso, debunked the reports that legal challenges were delaying the project and he said, no litigation is hindering the project.

We have the necessary approvals and requisite documents with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to commence construction, Omotoso said.

However, he asserted that the project will be implemented under a public private partnership (PPP) to attract quick funding and finish on time.

‘We have all the federal documents signed with the Federal Airport Authority, and also the Federal Government has granted approval.’ “The net is free of any legal encumbrances,” Omotoso said in a phone interview with Saturday PUNCH.

He also assured Lagosians that the project will remain a top priority for Governor Babajide Sanwoolu who says he will deliver the project before the end of his tenure.

Lekki airport construction will be driven by public – private partnership

Lekki International Airport, which was approved by the Federal Government on October 10, 2022, is to cater for about 5 million passengers annually from the Lekki, Ajah and Epe parts of Lagos.

The facility will help to free Murtala Muhammed International Airport of pressure and accommodate the state’s growing economic and residential hubs.

According to Omotoso, the construction would not be funded from Lagos State’s balance sheet but rather through a public private partnership (PPP) model. It is intended to attract private investors and to relieve the state’s burden with the money.

He also confirmed that he has already had several investors interested in joining the project.

The proposed site of the project is in Aiyetoro region, Lagos and work will start properly when financial details are secured. Early reports of possible disputes involving Bi Courtnee Aviation Services Limited notwithstanding, the commissioner said there were no legal problems pertaining to the project.

Omotoso stated that, while no fixed completion date could be provided, the government remained resolute in its commitment to developing the airport.

The longawaited project seems to be gathering a head of steam with the state’s ambitious N2.2 trillion 2024 budget.