The Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday approved the construction of the proposed Lekki airport.
The Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika presented the approval letter to the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Ehingbeti Lagos Economic Summit which began on Tuesday.
Sirika expressed confidence that the new airport will link Nigeria to the world, and open Lagos to more international economic partnerships.
Work on the facility is expected to begin in 2023 and would be constructed on 3,500 hectares of land on the Lekki-Epe corridor.
Last week, Ope George, Special Adviser to Governor on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) announced the Nigerian government’s approval.
George also confirmed that the master plan and aeronautical designs were already in place.
Studies are ongoing about strategies and funding, after which the project will be taken to the marketplace, he added.
Retired Group Captain John Ojikutu said he was elated about the Lekki airport, recalling its conception more than decade ago.
The aviation expert revealed that the project came to light during the tenure of former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola, the incumbent Works and Housing Minister.