Nigeria [FAAN], Mr. Muhammad Yusufu,has said that night flight operations would commence at the Owerri airport in due course with the completion of its airfield lighting.
The development is coming even as Yusufu said that about N254 million has been released for the project.
The FAAN boss made the disclosure when he paid a courtesy visit to the Imo State governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, in Owerri on Thursday in company of his management team.
Yusufu solicited the support of the state government in implementing most of its developmental projects, particularly the clearing of the Owerri airport and its environs following the resistance by some villagers in the area.
Yusufu said his administration was committed to the Federal Government�s policy on public/private sector partnership initiative for the collective development of the nation�s airports.
He noted that existing airports, including the Owerri airport, were being expanded and renovated as part of measures to make them safer and more secure, and to attract more airlines and investors.
Ohakim, in his response, indicated the readiness of the state government to partner with FAAN towards the upgrading of the Owerri Airport to enhance economic investment in the state.
The governor stressed the need for the upgrading of the airport facilities, particularly with the collaboration of his government and FAAN, towards accommodating the increasing traffic volume and exploring the economic potentials of the south east and the Niger Delta area.
He added, �The only gateway to the world in Imo State is the Owerri airport. With the development in Nigeria and around the world in 20 years� time, Nigeria will have enormous working class people. So there is the need to develop the airport and make it the cargo hub for the South East and South South. This will also bring the development of the private sector-driven commercial project.