By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation have hailed the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, for the quality of work done at the new state’s International Airport, Umueri.

The lawmakers made the statement during a tour of the airport led by the Governor.

Speaking after the tour, the committee chairman, Senator Smart Adeyemi, described the project as a masterpiece that will elevate the status of both the citizenry and state’s revenue income.

He described aviation industry as a very crucial segment for the development of the nation.

He said: “Aviation industry is very important for the development of a nation. By my observation, this is one of the best airports. I have travelled to several countries and I am not in doubt. I have seen the infrastructure and a lot of other things going on.

“You have not only helped to accelerate economic development of the Southeast, but also that of Anambra State and Nigeria in general. People in the Southeast are highly endowed with development.”

While saying that Lagos airport contribute about 65 percent of revenue to the state, he regretted that most airports in Nigeria are not viable.

Earlier in his speech, Obiano described the airport as a landmark for Anambra State and the Southeast.

He gave assurance that the airport would be opened in April this year.

Obiano said that the facilities, including the Arrival hall, Terminal, the Control tower, Apron, Car park and the Departure hall, are ready for use.

The governor explained that the tower has a life span of 300 years, adding that the terminal is designed to accommodate 400 passengers at a time.

He also said the car park has 700 space capacity for vehicles and space for 36 shops.

The governor further explained that “security gadgets are installed. The runway is one of the longest in Africa and it is 100 percent completed. You can land from either side of the runway, and it can carry any type of aircraft. It has a satellite lighting system.”

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