The InfoStride Forum

(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_2859-300x225.jpg)                        Phase 1 of the ongoing construction of the Ibom International Airport has been completed just as the sum of 2.5billion naira is being spent on the training of Engineers and Operational Staff for its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, Chairman, Ibom Airport Project, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd) has said.

Briefing members of the National Good Governance Tour on Thursday during an inspection, Nkanga said Phase 1 of the project comprises of the runway, the control tower, the fire bay, the MRO facility and the interim terminal. He said also completed at the airport include the clinic and fuel tank farm.

According to him, the thrust of the airport is maintenance and cargo operations. Nkanga said the types of aircrafts expected to be maintained at the facility include Airbus 380, Boeing 747-400 series and Jet-G.

He told the Team that the runway is 3,600meters and expandable to 4,200meters in addition to 60meters of reinforced shoulders which he said was the only one featured by an airport in the country. "If we have to host an Air Bus in this country, it's only this runway that can do that.

"But it's not only the size of the runway, we are category 2. It is only here and Murtala Mohammed International that are Category 2. What that means is when you come in to land and visibility from the cockpit is less than 800meters you will not even attempt landing otherwise you will be violating. That is inclusive of Abuja. It is only these two Airports (Ibom International and Murtala Mohammed International) that can do it. We can come down to 300 meters without seeing the runway and still make a successful landing.

"You can come as low as 30meters above the ground. What that means is the lighting we have here and the navigational aids will guarantee safety. That MRO, the highest point is 87meters, so if you can come down to 30meters without seeing the runway and still guarantee landing, it means your navigational aids are accurate and the lights are also accurate", Air Commodore Nkanga (rtd) explained.

He equally informed that work is ongoing at the International Terminals which he said has 5 fingers. "We believe and are sure this is going to be the hub of all aviation matters within this region", he added.

The Ibom Airport Project Chairman further said the aprons are being expanded because the interim terminal cannot take more than two or three aircrafts at the moment, stressing the need for more maneuvering space.

Also inspected at the Airport include a local training centre to stem the spending of money to train personnel overseas. There, officials said training was recently concluded for SMS staff on Safety Management System as well as a Search and Rescue Course for search and rescue operatives.

In his remarks, the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku stressed the imperative to have modern facilities that would accommodate Nigeria's fast growing economy.

He therefore thanked the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State for initiating the project which he said would add value to Nigeria's Aviation Industry.

"We are made to understand that they have already trained many young people all over the country who are already feeding into the aviation system in the country. So we hope that this place will be completed in good time so that commercial aircrafts and other forms of aircrafts that today are taken out of the country would be maintained right here.

"We know the Air Force has its facilities for overhaul of its aircrafts but we need something for commercial airplanes. What Akwa Ibom is doing is to look forward. We want to be the hub of aviation in the Gulf of Guinea.

"This is a huge oil and gas destination for the world and I believe that beginning to think this way is what will help the country. This is good vision, good leadership and it's adding value to the country", the Minister declared.


Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria

Akwa Ibom is working really well so far and i hope they continue this good work. The state is on a positive move. The governor has done his best