By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday appealed to investors to support the development of the approved Lekki–Epe International Airport, describing the project as critical to Nigeria’s aviation future.
Speaking at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference in Victoria Island, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government, its agencies and private sector players to build a safer, stronger and more competitive aviation industry.
The event was attended by President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, as well as Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Babagana Zulum of Borno, and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele. FAAN Board Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, was also present.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos would work closely with federal aviation agencies to ensure that both the Lekki–Epe International Airport and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) become models of effective collaboration between federal and sub-national governments.
He disclosed that the Federal Government has approved the construction of the new airport in the Ibeju–Lekki axis under a public-private partnership. The proposed Code F-compliant facility will sit on about 3,500 hectares, capable of accommodating the Airbus A380 and other wide-body aircraft. It is planned to begin with a capacity of five million passengers annually, with provisions for modular expansion.
Describing the project as strategic rather than symbolic, the governor said the airport would decongest MMIA, strengthen Lagos’ position as West Africa’s aviation hub, unlock opportunities in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), training and aviation services, and support the rapidly developing Lekki industrial corridor, which hosts the Deep Sea Port, Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, and emerging residential districts.
Sanwo-Olu also emphasised Lagos State’s long-term goal of building an integrated mobility ecosystem linking rail, road, water and air transport. He highlighted the progress made on the Blue and Red Line rail projects and the newly unveiled 68-kilometre Green Line corridor from Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
“We are building an integrated, multi-modal transport backbone designed to move more than 20 million residents and the millions who come to do business with us,” he said.
Governors Uzodinma, Zulum and Abiodun also addressed the conference, underscoring the central role of aviation in economic growth and outlining new airport developments, transport links and investment opportunities in Imo, Borno and Ogun states.
