The regional general manager, southwest airports, Mr. Muhammed Mamman has sympathised with Nigeria’s domestic carriers over the unquantifiable financial losses they incurred while taxiing to and from the international runway 18R/36L for more than 14 years that the second runway 18L/36R at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, had no airfield lights.
Mamman made the remark at an event tagged ‘Appreciation ceremony for stakeholders by FAAN’ held in Lagos on Tuesday.
Recall that the runway came alive on November 11 when the runway was opened to 24-hour operations with Air Peace Boeing 737 flight marked 5N – BUJ departing Lagos for Kano around 6pm.
“The perseverance and tenacity demonstrated by our critical stakeholders, airline operators, handlers, and the entire aviation family at MMA is one we cannot forget in a hurry.
“The financial outlay borne by various operators in taxiing to and from the International zone Runway 18R/36L is exhibit of commitment to safety and t6he growth of our industry, and to national development,” Mamman said.
The regional manager expressed appreciation to the federal executive council for approving funds for the implementation of “this safety-critical project.”
He also applauded the “doggedness” of the minister of aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika “who vigorously pursued the continued elevation of civil aviation in Nigeria and provided the requisite oversight for this AFL project.”
Besides, Mamman commended the managing director and chief executive, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Rabiu Yadudu for his “strategic vision” and “uncommon leadership” provided at each stage of the project.
