Thirteen airports in Nigeria - Abuja, Akure, Calabar, Ilorin, Jalingo, Jos, Kano, Lagos, Makurdi, Minna, Owerri, Port Harcourt and Uyo - have been singled out for the construction of perishable cargo terminals, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN has announced. |
| Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport |
“These airports which are in proximity to food baskets will be developed with international standard perishable cargo facilities to enhance their operations,” said Yakubu Dati, spokesperson at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN. “The strategy is therefore to create the much needed storage infrastructure in view of the large volume involved and to facilitate the evacuation of agricultural produce to domestic markets, in conformity with international standards,” he said.
Source [PM News]
However, there is some consternation as to Government's commitment towards the full utilization of its facilities.
Reports have emerged that the new international terminal at Kano's Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport is still not operational despite a rousing opening ceremony held in March by Nigerian Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah.
Checks by Daily Trust at the airport revealed that though the terminal building has been completed, most of the essential facilities like baggage conveyor belts, electronic check-in counters, furniture for passenger convenience, central air conditioning system and X-ray screening machines have not been installed.
Source [Daily Trust]
Mr Yakubu claimed that the lack of facilities in Kano was merely the result of start-up operational issues; a similar problem faced by Heathrow Airport.
