The Beijing headquarters of China Airport Construction Company played host to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on a Friday, as he engaged in discussions with their proficient management team.
He emphasized the state’s eagerness to expedite the construction and completion of the Lekki airport project in the shortest possible time.
While touring the Beijing Subway, the governor turned his attention to inspecting the signalling system in the capital city, offering valuable insights into his findings. CACC, in turn, affirmed its essential capabilities, positioning the company as equipped and prepared to support Lagos State in realizing its envisioned goal.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, conveyed this information in an official statement, detailing the reception of Sanwo-Olu by the top management of the company, headed by General Manager Mr Tang Zhu.
He communicated the state government’s intent to introduce train operations with an advanced signalling system, aiming for superior efficiency, safety, security, and the incorporation of the best technology currently available.
On the airport construction, Sanwo-Olu said, “We have a plan in Lagos to build our airport.
“We plan to see if we can identify partners—real partners who understand our market, seek the potential of our market, and appreciate that it is a market that has the potential to grow and take the lead.
“We are the most active and financially capable state in the country (Nigeria). So, it is something that we can develop further. A few other airports have also approached us.
“We haven’t made any final decisions yet. We are hoping that we will be able to do that in the next couple of months so that we can push things forward.”
In its presentation, the company stated its readiness to partner with the state to realise the airport construction project.
It read further, “The company expressed willingness to partner with the Lagos State Government to realise Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision of constructing a brand-new airport in the Lekki area of the state.
“We have been following the development trajectory of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole, noting that the country is rated highly in Africa, socially and economically.
“The company has the necessary wherewithal to help Lagos State achieve its desired goal.”
Read also: Soldier Who Verbally Assaulted Sanwo-Olu Arrested – COAS
Earlier, Sanwo-Olu had said on Thursday that his trip to China was to finalise plans on the state’s rail projects, adding that he also discussed “the Fourth Mainland Bridge” project, “which will begin shortly.”
The Beijing Subway forms a sprawling network, extending over 800 kilometers, with more than 40 rail lines intricately connecting the city and an extensive array of 500 train stations.
With a track record of over 55 years, the subway has consistently operated with efficiency since its establishment.
The governor, in clear terms, expressed that his administration views the train system as a fundamental driver for the state’s economic prosperity and, simultaneously, an indispensable means of mobility for people from various parts of the city.
Additionally, he emphasized that the state government remains committed to fostering partnerships with global companies to ensure the efficient delivery of infrastructural development in Lagos State.
“We want to ensure that in Lagos, we bring in the very best with efficiency, safety, security, and the best technology that is available.
“Train movement is going to be the solution that we believe will help us improve economic value and be able to move the population that we have in the city from one point to the next,” he said, according to the statement.
Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, declared on January 2, 2024, that the state government is committed to prioritizing the completion of ongoing projects throughout the state in the New Year.
Addressing the budget, Omotosho underscored the thorough utilization of the “ambitious N2.2tn budget,” emphasizing a strategic allocation towards infrastructure development, with special attention directed towards hospitals and the new Lekki airport.
In a statement three days later, the commissioner expanded on the airport’s potential, highlighting that upon completion, it would be capable of accommodating 350 aircraft and serving five million air travelers annually.
Additionally, he highlighted ongoing discussions between the state government and potential investors, exploring partnerships for the collaborative construction of the Lekki-Epe International Airport.