The Acting Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, has declared that government of Lagos State has not secured regulatory approval to commence the construction works at the proposed Lekki International Airport, Ibeju-Lekki.
Najomo said this during a meeting called by Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu to engage with NCAA and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) regulatory, to seek clarification, discuss Lagos State’s plans, and share the vision for the proposed state owned International Airport in Ibeju-Lekki.
Reviewing the proposed airport project in accordance with CAA regulations, Najomo who confirmed that NCAA had received approval for the project from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, however informed the Governor that Lagos State had yet to submit an official declaration of its intent io construct an airport in the stste to NCAA.
He therefore told the governor that the state must submit its declaration to NCAA for necessary regulatory and technical reviews before embarking on the construction.
He said, “Lagos State Government must submit this declaration at least 180 days prior to the commencement of construction.”
The DGCA explained that such requirements will enable the aviation Authorities to provide technical guidance and regulatory oversight on the project in accordance with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs).
Captain 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.
In closing, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced that 4,000 hectares of land had been earmarked for the proposed Ibeju-Lekki Airport. He expressed gratitude to NCAA for their participation in the meeting and stated that the engagement was encouraging. The Governor concluded by reiterating that collaboration with federal agencies would lead to better outcomes for the project
Earlier in his remarks, Sanwo-Olu, who expressed appreciation to the management teams of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for honoring his invitation, emphasized 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. A feasibility study conducted between 2008 and 2010 concluded that the project was viable. However, due to unforeseen setbacks, progress was delayed.
Reflecting on his five years in office, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted significant developments in the eastern part of Lagos, where several industries have been established. This growth 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, who 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.
He further explained that the proposed airport is a crucial component of the State’s broader transport master plan.
In his closing remarks, Sanwo-Olu announced that 4,000 hectares of land had been earmarked for the proposed airport project.
He who expressed gratitude to NCAA for their participation in the meeting, stated that the engagement was encouraging.
The Governor concluded by reiterating that collaboration with federal agencies would lead to better outcomes for the project.
The NCAA delegation led by the Acting Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo, included 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.
