Finally, Bayelsa Inaugurates State Airport • Urges FG to grant all permits without delay

The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Monday reiterated his call on the federal government to issue the operational licence for the Bayelsa International Airport to enable it commence commercial activities.

Dickson made the call at the official inauguration of the new airport located on the Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, describing the facility as the state gateway to the Gulf of Guinea.

He said it was important for the federal government to issue the operational licence to the airport now that the electoral campaigns and indeed elections are over.

The governor said the claim that the operational licence was not issued because of a perimeter fence was not tenable as many airports had been in operations for years without such fences.

Dickson, who disclosed that the Bayelsa airport's perimeter fencing has reached 60 percent completion, said all the necessary equipment, including a 3.5 kilometre 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, Dickson noted that it was strategic to boost socio-economic development of not only Bayelsa State and Nigeria but the entire Gulf of Guinea.

According to him, "We are calling on the federal government, especially the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to issue us the permit for this airport without any delay. I thank the Air force, the Chief of Air Staff and the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command in Yenagoa, who have started using this airport. This means that our world class equipment installed at this airport will be protected.

"This airport was constructed by one of the best construction companies, Dantata and Sawoe, which also constructed the Jigawa, Kebbi and other airports.

“This airport has never been flooded. The propaganda and blackmail being spread about this project is a calculated attempt to de-market our gateway to the world."

He said the incoming administration is expected to consolidate on such key projects, including the Agge Deep Seaport whose Forward Operating Base has since been completed.

Dickson, who also inaugurated the 2.5 kilometre airport road built by his government, named it after the first civilian Covernor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

He said the airport project was initially conceptualised by the former governor, noting that the construction and completion of the project by his administration was in realisation of  Alamieyeseigha's vision to build an airport in the heart of Ijaw nation.

"We have spared no effort and resources in ensuring that Bayelsa State has the best key infrastructure to drive our economy.

"What my team and I have put on ground in the last eight years will continue to speak for us for a long time. We are open to any scrutiny about our stewardship. We have nothing to be afraid of," he added.

The Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Council, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon Brass, during the occasion, described the completion of the airport as a major milestone in the development history of the state.

King Diete-Spiff, a former governor of Old Rivers State, expressed optimism that the airport  would enhance business opportunities,  promote the transportation system and enhance the status of Bayelsa among other states of the federation.

Speaking earlier, the state Commissioner for Works, Konyefa, who described the 3.5km runway airport as a world class, enumerated some of the facilities on ground to include a police post and sick bay.