Press Releases

Fashola Reiterates Call For Restoration Of Air Link With South America

Jan 23, 2009 - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babtunde Fashola (SAN) on Friday urged the Minister of Aviation, Mr Tunde Omotoba to consider a restoration of air links by Nigeria with South America towards exporting Nigerian successes and ideas.

The Governor who stated this while receiving the Minister who came on a courtesy visit to the Alausa seat of government, added that the present situation where people wishing to travel to South America spend 19 hours trying to connect the continent which is only six hours away from Nigeria is very costly and uneconomical.

He added that Nigeria’s ambassadors to Brazil and Argentina are doing a lot in this respect to ensure that new avenues are opened for trade and business opportunities for genuine and interested Nigerian businessmen.

The Governor disclosed that he received several enquiries about the successes of Nollywood in the country during his recent visit to Brazil.

He added that the absence of direct link between the two continents would defeat the lofty ideas and intentions of the representatives in marketing Nigeria to the outside world.

The Governor who also promised his support to the minister added that his doors are open at all times to him so that knotty issues and grey areas arising from efforts to serve the patrons of the aviation sector in the state better can always be resolved without delay.

Governor Fashola commended the clear commitment which the minister is bringing to bear on the job since his appointment, saying it shows that the present generation of Nigerians can take responsibilities for itself.

He added that as a keen observer of aviation and the safety rules in the country, he has always kept in touch and applauded the minister for the completion of the Lagos airport runway project as well as the radar projects.

While congratulating the minister for distinguishing himself to be considered worthy of being appointed as a minister, he expressed the hope that the qualities which earned him the qualification will see him through in the task ahead.

Speaking earlier, the Aviation Minister, Mr Tunde Omotoba described Governor Fashola as a role model to everyone and asked for his support and unhindered access to the Governor always.

He expressed the willingness to work with Governor in all areas, adding already both parties have resolved all issues that emanated from some road projects in the state.

He added that Lagos is very privileged to have a very dynamic leader at the helm of affairs, adding that he was in Lagos as a part of moves to strengthen the relationship between both parties.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Muiz Banire expressed appreciation to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for the level of cooperation and collaboration existing between it and the state government.

The Minister was accompanied on the visit by the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Mr. Richard Aisebogun and other top officials of the ministry.