FAAN moves to expand Lagos airport cargo terminal as activities increase

Following the increase in the volume of cargo activities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s (MMIA) Cargo Terminal, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said it has concluded plans to expand the apron by next year.
George Uriesi, the agency’s managing director, said the government was currently seeking funds to actualise the project.
Uriesi, who made the disclosure at the first FAAN Stakeholders’ Forum held in Lagos, said the agency had since realised the need to expand the apron following the increase in the volume of activities at the cargo terminal of the MMIA.
The managing director spoke of the expansion plan after one of the participants at the forum asked what the government was doing to address some of the challenges facing operators at the cargo section of the airport.
Participants at the forum included representatives of foreign and local airlines, security agencies and other players in the aviation sector.
There have been complaints about the inadequacy and obsolete nature of infrastructure at the cargo terminal.
Uriesi said: “We are currently looking for funds to expand the apron of the cargo terminal in 2013. This is a big challenge we are facing now.
“We are working on this and we believe it will be achieved in 2013. But in the interim, we are building a new fence and gate somewhere around the cargo area.”
The FAAN boss said the government was committed to the ongoing airport remodelling project, adding that the second phase of the project would commence very soon.
He gave an assurance to the participants that government would not fail in its promise to deliver new airport facilities to Nigerians and the travelling public.
On the abandoned underground car park at MMIA, Uriesi said discussion had reached an advanced stage with a prospective concessionaire, who would manage the facility.
“We prefer that the place (underground car park) is occupied than left empty. We are talking with investors and discussions have reached advanced stage. Very soon, you will hear about it,” he added.
The managing director also said the government would soon begin the construction of five brand new terminals.