The Lagos State Government and the management team of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), on Tuesday met at the Government House, Marina, to deliberate on plans that would aid a smooth resumption of international flights at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Present were the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor, Dr ObafemiHamzat. The FAAN team, led by its Managing Director, Captain Rabiu Yadudu; Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, FederalAirports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Clifford Omozehian; Director and Financeand Accounts, FAAN, Mrs Nike Abodemi.

Both parties discussed on actionable steps that would be adopted to give air travelers comfort and better experience when the facility is opened for international air traffic operations.

Captain Yadudu, made requests to the Governor for interventions that are germane to the seamless operations of the Lagos airport, which contributes 70 percent of FAAN’s total revenue.

According to the Lagos state governor, officials of the state government have been working round the clock with the Federal Government to initiate safety protocols in place at the airport and drive compliance.

The governor further disclosed that the State had already started the construction of a world-class bus terminal close to the airport which would serve as holding station for international passengers who will not be driving into the airport.

“An airport is a gateway that defines the nation, because it is the first facility to be seen by international travellers.

“The Murtala Mohammed International Airport is an important asset, not only to the Federal Government but also to Lagos State.

“The strategic use of this airport should necessitate that need for us to fully harness the asset and make it a bubbling destination for tourists and businessmen coming into the country.

“As a State Government, we are taking complementary efforts to ensure the airport promotes business and is safe for travellers,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

Also, he hinted that the bus station would be complemented with rail infrastructure to shuttle air passengers from the metropolis departure terminals.

“We have started the construction of a massive bus terminal along the airport road, which will be complemented with a rail project.

“The rail project is part of the Red Line Rail project which will start from Ebute Metta and pass through Oshodi.

“The right-of-way of this project has been determined and we are hoping the project will start before the end of the year,” said the governor.

He however, charged FAAN management on remodelling of the airport’s facilities to become a hub of business and tourism for the state as well as the the country as a whole.