Two stakeholders in the aviation sector on Wednesday expressed support for the on-going airport construction projects embarked upon by some state governments across the country.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the projects should be established based on their commercial viability so that they could boost the economic activities of such states.

NAN reports that the governments of Ekiti, Nassarawa and Osun are currently constructing airports in their respective states.

Capt. Dele Ore, a former President of the Aviation Round Table, (ART) said the projects should be sited based on commercial consideration and not for political reasons.

“When an airport is well planned and the state is ready to fund it, then there is no problem. The airport is supposed to be a centre of commerce.

“You can build an airport far away from the city centre and before 10 years, development will catch up with it.

“So, I think it is a good project because we have the resources.

“If the monies being stolen are spent on projects that our children will benefit from, then to me it is okay.

“There is nothing wrong with every state or commercial cities having their own airports but it must be properly planned and managed.”

He, however, advised the governments to embark on training of their indigenous people before the inauguration of the projects to ensure that they are successful.

Another stakeholder, Mr Sam Akerele, said states should concentrate on building local airports, adding that it was easier to manage and would open up their economy in no distant time.

“For instance, some investors don't want to fly to Lagos and start entering commercial vehicles and spending hours on the roads before getting to the states.

“The projects help to open- up the state's economy.”

He also noted that some states were landlocked which needed to construct airports to create an additional means of transporting goods from there to others. NAN)

•Photo shows Capt. Dele Ore (rtd).

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