Aviation agencies inspect Gateway airport, certify quality of facility
The Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport has been certified as world-class by a cross-section of regulatory agencies in the aviation industry, who visited the airport yesterday.
The agencies involved in the inspection, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), unanimously deemed the airport to be of international standard and a source of pride for Ogun State.
According to the agencies, the critical infrastructure at the airport, which includes the Control Tower, Weather Monitoring Areas, Runway, Fire Service Stations, and the Apron, can rival any similar facilities around the world and is one of the best in the West African region.
During the visit, Ango Mohammed, representing the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards of NCAA, praised the significant improvements made to the airport since his last visit. He noted that the facilities are now at the level of any standard airport globally, particularly in terms of the Control Tower.
Mohammed stated that the quality of work undertaken by the Ogun State Government should be widely praised, and he expressed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s approval of the project.
Tayo John, representing the Managing Director of NAMA, also spoke during the visit, explaining that their purpose was to inspect the facilities to ensure they met the necessary requirements for providing air traffic services and ensuring safety.
The Senior Project Manager of Craneburg, the construction company handling the project, Nicolas Mfarrej, revealed that the airport is about 98% ready to begin full operations and serve the interests of the state.
Engineer Oluwole Adeyileka, Consultant on regulatory matters to the Ogun State Governor, explained that key players in the regulation and monitoring of facilities had visited the airport to assess its readiness for full operations. He noted that the visitors were impressed by the state’s preparations.
In their remarks, Manager of Gateway International Airport, Captain Dapo Olumide, and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ade Akinsanya, stated that the ongoing assessment represents the final step before the airport can begin full commercial operations.
They added that the positive assessment demonstrated that Ogun State is poised to lead in air traffic services in Nigeria, describing it as a significant achievement borne of great commitment and dedication to creating an airport that meets world standards.
