Bayelsa state Governor Seriake Dickson has reiterated his call on the federal government to issue an operational licence to the Bayelsa International Airport to enable it to commence commercial activities.
Governor Dickson made the call on Monday at the official commissioning of the new airport located on the Wilberforce Island, Amassoma.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei quoted the governor as having decried the antics of mischievous pilot on a mission to remarked the airport which he described as the state’s gateway to the Gulf of Guinea.
Governor Dickson said that it was important for the federal government to issue the operational license to the airport now that the electoral campaigns and indeed elections are over.
He said that the claim that the operational license was not issued because of a perimeter fence which was not tenable as many airports had been in operations for years without such fences.
The governor who disclosed that the Bayelsa airport’s perimeter fencing has reached 60% completion, said all the necessary equipment including, 3.5 kilometers runway, terminal building, navigational facilities, fire bay were ready.
He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air force for the use of the airport, noting that its patronage would in no small measure protect the facilities.
Describing the airport as one of the best in the country, governor Dickson noted that it was strategic to boost socio-economic development of not only Bayelsa and Nigeria but the entire Gulf of Guinea.
In his words: “We are calling on the federal government especially the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, without any delay, to issue us the permit for this airport.
“I thank the Airforce, the Chief of Air Staff and the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Yenagoa who have started using this airport. This means that, our world class equipment installed at this airport will be protected.”
