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
5000 arrivals and departures a week by 80 international airlines. These should be our aspiration as a nation
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