The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has finally approved the Bayelsa Airport for commercial operations.
The director general of the agency, Capt. Musa Nuhu presented the approval letter to state governor, Mr. Douye Diri in Government House, Yenagoa, yesterday after the team completed the mandatory inspection of the airport and its facilities.
Nuhu said the approval was sequel to the report of the agency’s inspection team, which prior to the visit had certified that out of 29 gaps, the airport was able to close 26.
He said the other requirements were non-safety related and that work was already in progress to achieve night flight operations.
The director general added that NCAA had to limit flight operations to daytime as the runway lights were being installed, noting that once completed, full approval would be granted.
He commended the state government for the quality of work done at the airport and the capable personnel from the state that facilitated the issuing of the licence.
Responding, the governor expressed appreciation to God for making the long-awaited day possible.
He said issuing of the operational licence was a winding journey that began from the administration of his immediate past predecessor to when he assumed duty over a year ago.
He commended his predecessor Mr. Seriake Dickson for his foresight in ensuring that the state had its own airport.
It would be recalled that in December 2020, then acting director general of NCAA, Capt. Abdullahi Sidi, had said that the airport would be issued a certificate to start commercial operation when a perimeter fence is provided.
He said the absence of adequate perimeter fence was the reason NCAA had not certified the airport.
“Every airport must have what is called perimeter fencing, which could be solid wall with a buffer and sharp fence to stop infiltration into the airport environment. Also, we have what we called the air side and the passenger side of an airport. The air side is supposed to be much more secured than the passenger side.
“Somebody called me on the issue of Bayelsa Airport, then, after I did my own investigation. Perimeter fencing is number one requirement for any airport, which is safety. Someone said the government has done about 60 per cent of the perimeter fencing and said the other side of the airport is creek, but I said that is not acceptable to aviation industry.
“That perimeter fencing is the only thing remaining for Bayelsa Airport. There is no politics about it. That is the requirement. And anything security is taken seriously. It is a security issue. If we need to close an airport because of security issue, we will until they comply,” he said.
