FG To Upgrade Osubi Airport To International Standard –Keyamo

Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has disclosed that plans were underway to upgrade the Osubi Airport to international standard.

Keyamo made the disclosure over the weekend at the inauguration of the newly constructed Police station at the Osubi Airport, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta.

The minister who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Mr Voke Oshasha also inaugurated a fuel depot at the airport.

Addressing newsmen shortly after cutting the tape, Keyamo said that the project would enhance safety and security in the Airport.

“The Osubi Airport Manager, Mr Winston Egwuatu has done very well in keeping with the safety standard of the Nigeria Airport.

“This initiative will enhance the safety of passengers in the airport in particular and the Osubi Community in general.

“We are already working on the expansion of the Osubi Airport to an international standard, it is a process,” the minister said.

Earlier, the Osubi Airport Manager said that the construction of the Police station was borne out of the dare need for a physical presence of police in the airport.

Egwuatu said that the presence of police would help to address civil issues that may arise within and around the airport facilities.

According to him, the provision of the befitting facility will enable the police to carryout its statutory duties as attainable in other airports in Nigeria.

The airport manager said that the Police station was constructed from the meagre Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the airport.

“The completion of the Police station is a milestone that represents our commitment to enhancing the safety and well-being of the passenger, stakeholders, concessionaires and the airport’s host community.

“The Police station symbolises our dedication to providing a secured environment where everyone can strive, fostering partnerships and building trust between the law enforcement agents, airport community and the public.

“The edifice is a modern state-of-the-art facility with one Divisional Police Officer’s office; two cells (male and female); one Armory; Constable counter; one interrogation room; one DCO office and a general toilet,” he said.

Egwuatu noted the Osubi Airport had operated without a Police Station for the past 25 years.

He added that the airport Management, under the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) was able to change the narrative after 11 months of painstaking sacrifice and commitment.

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Egwuatu thanked the Managing Director/Chief Executive (MD/CE) of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku for her human and material support to ensuring that the Presidential directive on Osubi Airport was achieved.

He reminded that the Osubi Airport was established in 1999 to serve exploration activities of the Petroleum industry with a Public Private Partnership structure.

“Between the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and the Federal Government with 55 per cent and 45 per cent stake respectively.

“SPDC became both owner of the 45 per cent and operator of the airport until 2015 when it divested it’s interest to an indigenous oil company, Shoreline Oil Services Limited.

“In February 2020, the federal government ordered it’s closure due to safety, security and debt issues leading to the airport not operating for 17 months.

“Former minister of aviation, acting on the directives of the then President, mandated FAAN and other critical agencies to liaise with the NNPCL.

“To put measure in place for an interim management of the airport pending appointment of competent operator by the JV partners.

“FAAN in compliance with the directive of the federal government deployed a team of 22 officers led by me as the airport manager to commence operation on March 29, 2021,” Egwuatu said.

In her remark, Mrs Kuku thanked the minister of aviation for the innovations in the aviation industry.

Represented by Mrs Joke Olatunji, General Manager, Operation of FAAN, the MD/CE also commended
the Osubi Airport Manager for the feat.

“You have set the pace and I believe other airports will follow suit,” KuKu said.

Also, the Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area, Mr Isaiah Esiovwa thanked the management and staff of the airport for the laudable project.

On his part, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Maj.-Gen.Felix Mujakperuo (rtd) thanked the management for transforming the Osubi Airport.

The royal father who was represented by Chief Michael Affe noted that the airport had brought relief to the Delta residents.

“Before now, we use to travel to Benin City to board plane. This airport has brought a lot of relieves and advantages to us and we pray, it continues to expand,” he said.

Highlights of the event was the cutting of tape as well as traditional dance by the Ema Royal Troupe of Urhoboland.

In attendance were: representatives from the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, Immigration, DSS, NSCDC and among others.