The Osubi Airport in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area near Effurun, Delta is set to undergo upgrades to meet international standards, as per the plans of the Federal Government.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, provided assurances to the Delta State community during the weekend that there are ongoing plans to elevate the Osubi Airport to international standards.
This disclosure was made during the inauguration of a newly
constructed Police station situated at the Osubi Airport within the Okpe Local
Government Area of Delta.
The Honorable
Minister, represented by his Special Advisor on Political Matters, Mr. Voke
Oshasha, officially opened a new fuel depot at the airport.
In a press briefing following the ribbon-cutting ceremony,
Keyamo emphasized the project’s significance in improving airport safety and
security. He commended the Osubi Airport Manager, Mr. Winston Egwuatu, for his
unwavering commitment to upholding the high safety standards set by the
Nigerian Airport Authority.
“The proposed initiative aims to improve the safety of
airport passengers and the Osubi community as a whole. Concurrently, we are
actively pursuing the expansion of Osubi Airport to meet international
standards, which is an ongoing process,” the minister said.
The Osubi Airport Manager, Mr. Egwuatu, highlighted the
urgent need for a physical police presence at the airport to address potential
civil issues within and around the airport facilities. He emphasized that the
construction of the Police station was funded entirely through the airport’s
modest Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The completion of the Police station
signifies the airport’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and
well-being of passengers, stakeholders, concessionaires, and the airport’s host
community.
Egwuatu expressed his gratitude to the Managing Director and
Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria
(FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for her invaluable support in ensuring the
successful implementation of the Presidential directive on Osubi Airport.
He recalled that Osubi Airport was established in 1999 to
facilitate exploration activities within the petroleum industry through a
Public Private Partnership (PPP) structure between Shell Petroleum Development
Company (SPDC) and the Federal Government, with respective shareholdings of 55%
and 45%.
“SPDC assumed ownership of 45% of the airport and operated
it until 2015, when it divested its interest to Shoreline Oil Services Limited,
an indigenous oil company.
“In February 2020, the federal government ordered the
airport’s closure due to safety, security, and debt concerns, resulting in a
17-month shutdown.
“Acting on the directives of the then President, the former
Minister of Aviation mandated FAAN and other relevant agencies to collaborate
with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
“Interim management measures have been established by FAAN
for the airport until a competent operator is appointed by the JV partners.
Egwuatu stated, "In compliance with the federal government's directive, a
team of 22 officers, led by me as the airport manager, has been deployed to
commence operations on March 29, 2021."
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer of FAAN, expressed her gratitude to the minister of aviation
for the advancements made in the aviation sector.
Mrs. Kuku, represented by FAAN's General Manager of
Operations, Mrs. Joke Olatunji, also praised the Osubi Airport Manager for the
achievement, stating, "You have established a benchmark that I am
confident other airports will strive to emulate."
The Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area, Mr. Isaiah
Esiovwa, expressed his gratitude to the management and staff of the airport for
their commendable project.
In response, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Major General Felix
Mujakperuo (retired), lauded the management for their transformative efforts at
the Osubi Airport.
Represented by Chief Michael Affe, the royal father
acknowledged the positive impact the airport has had on the lives of Delta
residents.
“Previously, we were required to travel to Benin City in
order to board a plane. The establishment of this airport has provided
significant relief and numerous advantages to us. We sincerely hope that it
will continue to expand in the future.” he said.