President Goodluck Jonathan has commissioned the multi-billion naira Jigawa Sate international air port to further enhance economic growth in the nation.
The president at the commissioning ceremony in Dutse, the state capital on Tuesday, said that the airport would improve the economic life of the people as it will handle both passenger and cargo flights in out of the country.
“These days it is possible for business men to have breakfast in London, lunch in Germany and dinner in another part due to the availability of airports and its transport services and the Jigawa Airport is bound to provide the same business support services. We will work for the safety of the airport to avoid unnecessary accident,” President Jonathan said.
He expressed happiness at the consummation of the project within a short period of time and promised to reasonably support the state government in the 15 billion naira spent on the project.
“Although the federal government cannot completely overwrite the total 15.5 billion naira committed to the Dutse international Airport project but we will try to support the expenditure robustly, more so because it was part of my campaign promise to the people that I was going to build new airports in the six geopolitical zones in the country,” he stated.
President Jonathan noted that Jigawa State is the most peaceful state in Nigeria as it has less crime compared to other states, particularly the northern part of the nation.
“I thank the traditional institution for their encouraging peace in jigawa because they are the closest to the people at the grassroots. They have preached peace and encouraged the people to follow the same. I also encourage youths in the state to do everything that will bring peace to the state and the nation in general,” he said.
The governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, said the airport is fully equipped with fire fighting equipments and modern tarred 3.5 kilometer runway capable of handling Boeing and jumbo aircrafts as well as air traffic control, customs and immigration facilities among others.
“In addition, we have entered into a memorandum of understanding with overland air services to begin commercial flight three times in a week.”
“I regard this airport as the 8th wonder of the century in Nigeria because it was built in 13 months a feat never achieved before in Nigeria’s construction of airports.” Lamido noted.
The airport apart from local services has witnessed international flights by taking pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and back during the recent Hajj operation.
The minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka said the airport is significant because it represents the transformation agenda of Jonathan’s government especially the transportation of fresh agricultural produce.
“The ministry of aviation has commenced the construction of the cargo terminal of the airport to enhance the transportation of fresh farm produce within and outside the country. The plan will encourage large scale farming and subsequently provide employment for our teeming youths,” he said.
Chairman, Jigawa state development Corporation, Bashiru who was in charge of the project said the airport will serve as alternative entry point in the north west geopolitical zone in Nigeria.