NCAA Awaits Lagos Government’s Submission Of Official Declaration Of Intent On Proposed Airport
The Acting Director-General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo has urged the Lagos State Government to submit the necessary documents that will enable NCAA to guide the state through the requirements for obtaining the Authority’s approval for the airport’s construction of the proposed airport in Ibeju-Lekki.
Najomo who made this urge during a meeting between the Government of Lagos State led by the Governor, the managements of NCAA and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), held on the Governor’s invitation, provided an overview of the project from the NCAA’s perspective, confirming that the Authority had received approval for the project from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development but noted that the Lagos State Government had not yet submitted an official declaration of intent to the NCAA, which is required for the Authority to provide technical guidance and regulatory oversight.
He said in accordance with Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs), the Lagos State Government must submit this declaration at least 180 days prior to the commencement of construction. He however assured the Governor of the NCAA’s commitment to supporting the project, in line with Nigeria’s ease of doing business policy.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the purpose of the meeting was to engage with the regulatory authorities to seek clarification, discuss Lagos State’s plans, and share their vision for the proposed airport in Ibeju-Lekki. He recounted that in 2007, Lagos State’s Master Plan included the redesign of the eastern region of the state (Epe), where the concept of an airport emerged as a necessary solution to the challenges posed by having only one airport serving Lagos.
The Governor noted that the idea of an additional airport was first considered in 2008. A feasibility study conducted between 2008 and 2010 concluded that the project was viable. However, due to unforeseen setbacks, progress was delayed.
Reflecting on his five years in office, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted significant developments in the eastern part of Lagos, where several industries have been established. This growth renewed the State Government’s determination to revisit the airport project. He mentioned that discussions had taken place with the former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who had granted approval for the establishment of an aerodrome in Ibeju-Lekki.
The Governor affirmed that the project had garnered considerable interest and that Lagos State had engaged a consultant (DAR) to oversee the initiative. However, he stressed the importance of seeking regulatory approval from the NCAA before moving forward to avoid any potential challenges. He further explained that the proposed airport is a crucial component of the State’s broader transport master plan.
Governor Sanwo-Olu announced that 4,000 hectares of land had been earmarked for the proposed Ibeju-Lekki Airport. He expressed gratitude to NCAA for their participation in the meeting and stated that the engagement was encouraging. The Governor concluded by reiterating that collaboration with federal agencies would lead to better outcomes for the project.
The NCAA delegation was led by the Acting Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, accompanied by the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Engr. Godwin Balang; General Manager, Aerodrome Standards, Engr. Bayode Boluwaji Sunday; and the Airport Certification Team Lead, Dr. Uyiekpen Asuen.
