Imo State governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has called on Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN to partner with the state to develop the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport to a model international cargo airport.
He made this known when he received a high powered delegation from the Agency led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Captain Rabiu Yadudu who paid him a visit at the Government House, in Owerri.
He urged them to ensure the completion of the night landing facilities to enable passengers and visitors to the state so that the government will take maximum advantage of its economic potentials, disclosing that the state government will ensure improved security at the airport.
Governor Ihedioha had, following a recent fire incident at the airport, directed the purchase of fire-fighting equipment, noting that the airport being the third busiest in the Southern part of the country and the busiest in the South East is a major factor for the economic development of the state.
Earlier in his speech, the Managing Director, who came in company of the directors of FAAN, congratulated the governor his victory at the polls as well as the successful inauguration of his administration.
While thanking the governor for a warm reception for this team, he expressed gratitude for the cooperation and synergy that exists between the airport authority in the state and the people of Imo State.
Captain Yadudu disclosed that the successful relationship had helped them to deliver and increase customer service incentive to stakeholders and other customers.
He thanked the governor for his prompt response to their request for a dedicated electricity line, improved security and provision of some key access roads to the airport, adding that the federal government will do its part to meet the state government half way to cushion the financial burden of their requests.
He assured the governor of the cooperation of his Agency to achieving some of the laudable programmes of his administration, especially in the area of transportation and tourism.
