December 18, (THEWILL) – The Federal Ministry of Aviation (FMA) has approved the construction of an airport at Uzairue/Okpella in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo state.
The grant of approval was conveyed to the Governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki, through a letter dated 16th December, 2021 signed by the Ag Director, Aerodrome Development Department, Engr. Clement Olayinka Awogbami on behalf of the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.
The letter with reference number FMA/ADD/402/5.42/C.9/1/12, titled: Re: Application For The Construction of An Airport In Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State read in part:
“Sequel to the receipt of your Excellency’s letter Ref No: OG. 51/Vol.4/120 dated 16th February, 2021 and subsequently visit of the technical team from the Ministry and its agencies on the 3rd to 5th of November, 2021, I am directed to convey approval of the Honourable Minister for the construction of an airport at Uzairue/Okpella in Etsako West Local Government Area in Edo State subject to the following: strict compliance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)’ requirements and compliances with all relevant environmental regulations.”
Other requirements according to the letter are: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report should be conducted to assess the impact of noise on the environment; adherence to the provisions of the subsisting Civil Aviation Act 2006 and other legislations that may evolve with time and payment of all statutory fees.
The letter also directed: issuance of security clearance by department of state service; site survey data in accordance with WGS 84 specification; perimeter survey of the airport; production of Wind Rose analysis by Nimet; removal of all obstructions on the site and involvement of the Ministry and its relevant agencies at every stage of the development of the airport to ensure compliance with Standards and Recommended Practices (SARs).
“I am to add that a copy of this letter is being forwarded to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and your Excellency is to liaise further with the agency for implementation,” the letter added.
Aviation experts and other allied engineers from the Federal Ministry of Aviation had in early November this year inspected the proposed site for the proposed airport.
The Aviation team led by the Director of Aerodrome, Engr. Awogbami visited the proposed site for Uzairue Passenger Airport in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo state.
The Airport is said to have been conceptualised by His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki during his ‘thank you’ interactive session with Edo North people, who had supported his re-election, where he proposed to construct an airport with its proposed location in Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo state.
About the Author
