Saturday 18 August 2012

BEYOND BEAUTY, THE ONGOING RECONSTRUCTION IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY

By Maryam Shehu Jibrin
If you are a frequent traveller, you will have noticed the massive reconstruction going on in the airports across the country. The makeover is complete, leaving no stone unturned in the total reconstruction of airport terminals and other components of the airport.
On a recent trip from Port-Harcourt I noticed, with joy the non-stop work going on at the airport, even though passengers had more trouble finding their terminals, but it was for a greater good.
It is not a secret knowledge that most of the Nigerian Airports and Terminals were built in the 70s, by 2011 they were decayed and in a state of utter dysfunction. All Airport Users attest to the fact that our Infrastructure was a disgrace and embarrassment to our National pride. Imagine an airport without adequate toilet facilities; this was what Nigerians and foreigners alike had suffered for several years.
As such it is remarkable and important the current call for the remodelling and reconstruction of the Industry must be supported in all ramifications. The Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah must be commended for the giant strides taking to ensure that the projects came on stream immediately, despite the barrage of criticisms that trailed the flag off in the media.
It is also quiet interesting that for the first time the Projects are not concentrated in Lagos but are spread to other viable but routes that were neglected in the past like Yola, Kano, Owerri, Benin Kaduna etc. It is time that our 35 year old Structures come down completely for future aviation growth and sustainability. The Ministry has also promised to once and for all find a lasting solution to the epileptic power supply at the airport.
It is our dream as a country to aspire for the very best airports, like the ones that Nigerians frequent, from airports like Schipol to the Singapore Changi Airport which connects a passenger to over 200 destinations worldwide, with
5000 arrivals and departures a week by 80 international airlines. These should be our aspiration as a nation

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