How We Birthed The Vision For MMIA New International Terminal – Oduah

Former Minister of Aviation and Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial district, Stella Oduah has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for making an almost decade-long vision come true.

Senator Oduah in a statement on Tuesday, hailed the impact of her team and a brilliant group of engineers for working round the clock to engender the idea of expanding Nigeria’s airports.

She said the vision was conceived when she was Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation between 2011 and 2014, under the administration of former President, Goodluck Jonathan.

”Today, 22nd March, 2022, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, inaugurated the International Terminal of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. I join the Aviation authorities particularly at the Ministerial and Congressional levels, the flying public and other well-meaning Nigerians to congratulate him on this epochal achievement,” Sen. Oduah said.

”The President has once again demonstrated his commitment to the accomplishment and completion of visions and projects laid out by previous administrations. He believes that Government is truly a continuum. He has distinguished his administration in ensuring that completing any infrastructure inherited from the past is for the common good of citizens and indeed humanity.

“As former Minister of Aviation (2011-2014), I can remember vividly that the celebration of today began about 2011/2012 with the vision/plan to expand infrastructure in our major airports to international standards. The new international terminal was conceptualised and planned during this period. Those who were members of the Federal Executive Council would remember the robust interactions preceding the reviews and eventual approvals for the award of contracts in this regard. And I recall

“I recall those endless nights working with fantastic teams, permanent secretaries, architects and some of the best young Nigerian engineers and thinkers because we wanted to change the face of aviation. We believed with enthusiasm that Nigeria and Nigerians deserved better and we took on all our airports simultaneously.

“For minsters of finance, soul president Jonathan. I wish to thank you for believing in my vision. I recall spending 12hrs daily in China negotiating for concessionary loan for these airport’s which was finally granted for Enugu, Abuja, Portharcourt, kano and lagos.

“To say that I remain proud of these brilliant Nigerians is an understatement and I strongly believe that someday, we shall tell our stories but for now, today is a vision accomplished and I am delighted that those efforts have finally come to fruition whilst commending the Minister of Aviation and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for their industry, sacrifice and loyalty to the cause and I retain no doubts that Nigeria is the better for it for we will be respected in the comity of nations.

“There is no doubt that our ports are the gateways to the nation and having them completed to international standards which should improve our trade, tourism and in fact, attract foreign direct investments.

“While it is my wish that this facility is routinely maintained, I also urge both travellers and airport workers to appreciate the efforts of government and ensure that the facilities are not misused. Once again, I wish Nigeria well,” she concluded.

President Buhari was in Lagos on Tuesday to inaugurate a number of projects including the new international of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and the Lekki Free Trade Zone.