Lagos State Governor Unveils Plans for State-Owned Airline and New Airport
In a groundbreaking announcement, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has revealed the government’s intention to establish a state-owned commercial airline.
The revelation came during a comprehensive presentation of the administration’s achievements at the Lagos West Senatorial District People’s Town Hall Meeting.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that the construction of a new airport in Lekki is set to commence soon. The Lagos State Government had earlier pledged to construct an international airport in the Lekki Epe corridor within the next year or two.
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The governor, in a report by The Punch, stated that the discussions regarding the state-owned airline have reached the final stage of determining the financing model. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for federal government approval and the establishment of operational contingencies for the proposed venture.
“Over the last five months, the Deputy Governor and I have been working to put a concise plan together for the establishment of an airline,” Governor Sanwo-Olu explained. He reassured that funding wouldn’t be a hindrance and expressed confidence in the viability of the business strategy.
Stakeholders in the aviation industry welcomed the development, foreseeing increased competition and improved service quality. Kingsley Nwokoma, Chairman of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, highlighted the benefits of additional players in addressing issues like delayed flights and cancellations.
Olumide Ohunayo, General Secretary of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative, emphasized the need for more airlines to meet the demand-supply mismatch in the aviation sector. He recommended a professional management approach, drawing parallels with the successful Ibom structure.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, TAAG Angola Airlines announced daily flights between Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and Luanda Quatro de Fevereiro Airport, Angola, starting January 8, 2024.
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The move aims to enhance availability and mobility options for passengers, considering Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s largest economies.
As Lagos state moves forward with its ambitious plans for a state-owned airline and a new airport, the aviation industry anticipates positive impacts on competition, service standards, and overall market dynamics.
