By Ayodele Oni
True to the promise of Governor Kayode Fayemi to ensure the completion of the Cargo Airport project before the October terminal exit of his administration, things are being put in place for a first flight to the airport before the end of September.
According to Mr Bunmi Awotiku, the Project Coordinator of Ekiti Cargo Airport, baring any last minute hitch, the feat will be achieved.
The Project Coordinator disclosed in Ado Ekiti that as part of preparations for the first flight, a team from the State will be at the Chinet Aviation and Cargo Conference taking place in Lagos to make a presentation of the new airport to the Aviation Stakeholders.
Awotiku expressed confidence that barring any last minute hindrance, the first flight into the airport will happen this month as all things needed for the flight are in place just the paper works.
Ekiti Cargo Airport will be another cargo airport engaging with Aviation Stakeholders at the Chinet Aviacargo Conference.
Another state, Ogun AgroCargo Airport will be returning to Chinet Aviacargo Conference to unveil the opportunities available to stakeholders.
The event scheduled to hold berween 7th and 8th September 2022 in Lagos is expected to have in attendance captains of industries in aviation, logistics, exports, transport and government agencies in export related field.
The conference also will discuss the Role of Cargo Airports, Insurance and Finance in the Development of a National Aviacargo Export Master Plan for Nigeria.
Cargo is the fastest growing sector of the aviation sector and the Cargo Airports promises to tap into this huge market.
Ogun and other state cargo airports are expected to join in the day two discussion at the 2022 edition of the event. The future of cargo airports and their viability will be the focus of Day 2 at Chinet 2022 event.
Captain John Okakpu an export guru and the driver of many agroexport projects in Nigeria will head the discussions on the viability of these airports and their utilisation for agroexports.
Thirteen Federal Airports have been designated as cargo airports and five have recently been listed for concessioning. About 10 state owned cargo airports are also coming on stream.
Among aviation experts expected to present papers at the conference are Akin Olateru, Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), and Captain Rabiu Yadudu, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority Of Nigeria (FAAN).
Regulators and operators of the aviacargo ecosystem in Nigeria are confirming their participation in the event. This includes the National Agency for Food and Drug Control NAFDAC led by the Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye. NAFDAC regulates Products and gives approval for Export of these Products.
