ZAKARI ISAH, KADUNA
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has expressed readiness to upgrade the famous Yakubu Gowon Airport to an International status with a view for it to take its rightful place in the Aviation industry in northern Nigeria.
He said the importance of the airport can not be over emphasize because it form part of the critical infrastructure the state has and was known for in the early 70s.
Governor Mutfwang disclosed this when the Manager of Yakubu Gowon Airport, Rindam Domtur led Members of his Management team on a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor at the new Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.
"We are blessed to have this airport which was supposed to serve like a hub for the entire Northeast. It is sad that the airport has diminished and lost her relevance over the years. Each time I went into the airport, and I saw Yakubu Gowon Airport I knew something is missing, the word International. And if not for politics, I believe that Jos Airport should have been an International Airport. By the grace of God, we will strive to see we achieve the status of International Airport.
"This is not because Jos deserves it, but because it associated with an Icon that we can not forget in Nigeria's history. We must therefore bring honour unto that place by seeking collaboration and cooperation to make the airport regain its status as perhaps one of the strategic airport in the Northern part of the country. "
He pledged to engaged the Ministry of Aviation to see how the state can also partner together towards Public Private Partnership to bring life and attract activities to the international airport.
"This is the way to go, we must explore the possibility of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) in making the Jos airport more viable and I want to say that the market is there already and if properly structured it should be able to become a great hub for the Aviation industry in this part of the country."
The Governor assured the management of the Airport that areas for collaboration with the state government as outline by the Manager are well noted and will be acted upon. "The issue of the Executive lounge the issue of fire fighting vehicle, the issue of security and all the apparatus that are needed to be able to enhanced the security of the airport, these are things we will look into and see how best we can address them for the common good of our people."
The Manager of Yakubu Gowon Airport, Mr. Rindap Domtur who spoke earlier said the Airport is in need of delibrate efforts towards its upgrade to a full flesh International airport beyond the foundation laid some years ago.
Among some of the challenges mentioned by the manager are the completion of "Executive lounge which is at 80% completion, security challenges, absence of aviation fuel dum, land dispute with host community, lack of security vehicles for routine patrol, electrification of Mararaban Jamaa to the Airport, a fire fighting machines."
Gyang Bere
Director of Press and Public Affairs to Executive Governor of Plateau State
25th July, 2023.
0 Comments