By Francis Eke
After about forty years of operation, the Port Harcourt International Airport has received full certification and license having successfully complied with global safety standards required by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The certification followed the recent upgrade, modernisation and expansion of infrastructure as well as the provision of critical safety equipment at the airport.
Regional General Manager, South -South Airports and Manager Port Harcourt International Airport, Mrs Lynda Ezike disclosed this on Friday when she led a delegation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN) on a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt. The visit was to present the certificate to the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara under whose watch the massive upgrade of the airport took place.
In an interview with journalists, Ezike acknowledged the immense contributions of the Rivers State Government towards the upgrade of the airport, stressing that the airport is now able to meet the safety requirements stipulated by both local and international industry regulators.
” We came here on a historic note to present the certicate to His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, because he made it possible.
“This certification is no mean achievement.The Port Harcourt International Airport which is the gateway to Rivers State and the entire South- South region is now certified. This implies that the stage is now set for more international operations. More international flights can now come to the airport feeling safe than the airport has met the safety standards, required globally.
“The issuance of the certificate is a direct reflection of the unwavering support of His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara in infrastructure upgrade and provision of critical equipment to meet the national and global safety regulations and standards,” she said.
According to Ezike, the certification announces the Nigerian state as a key player in the global aviation safety programme.