Construction work on a major air cargo terminal in Nigeria is set to resume, the office of the Ministry of Aviation has said. The Permanent Secretary in the ministry of aviation Hajia Binta Adamu Bello said that the project at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport will facilitate the commencement of international air cargo operations.
The construction project is being executed at Owerri, in Imo State. Recently, the State Governor; Owelle Rochas Okorocha conducted an inspection tour at the project site.
On completion, the air cargo terminal in Nigeria is expected to develop the economic activities in the South East geo-political zone of the country and the neighbouring states.
According to Prince Eze Madumere, Imo State Deputy Governor, construction work on the cargo terminal’s foundation has been completed. However, the project’s imported super structure is expected to land in the country within weeks.
Contractors responsible for the project have been adequately mobilized waiting for the advent of the super structure to kick off the construction works at the airport site. Meanwhile, cargo screening machines have already been supplied at the construction site and are waiting to be installed when the project is completed.
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria issued a green light for early completion of the project in order to boost the economic development of the nation particularly in the South East geo-political zone of the country.
Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, also known as Imo State Airport, serves Owerri, the capital city of Imo State in the southeastern part of Nigeria.
As part of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON), the airport recently underwent upgrading (2013-14) which covered the physical infrastructure as well communication equipment covering its air space as far as Port Harcourt Airport and beyond.
Despite the airport having the night landing capabilities, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has restricts night operations except for airlifting passengers during pilgrimage (Hajj) operations. Meanwhile, the ongoing cargo section expansion is expected to be completed by 2016.
