By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE Federal Government, through the Ministry of Aviation, has explained why it has concluded plans to demolish two private hangars at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The two hangars for immediate demolition are owed by Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (aka Winners Chapel) and Evergreen Apple by the former Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren.
Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, disclosed at the weekend that the demolition was meant to pave way for the expansion of the apron of the newly-built terminal at the Lagos airport.
Senator Sirika said that the $300 million Dominion and Evergreen Apple hangars and offices would be demolished for expansion of the apron of the new international airport terminal in Lagos.
”We are not operating the Lagos airport at full capacity and it is household knowledge, now we have some obstructions that would be removed within the next one or two weeks so that we can expand the apron and Lagos can have the full airport in full use to 100 per cent,” he insisted.
According to him, the structures must go to give way for efficiency, adding “it is $300m investment over there and they can’t sit there in public interest and we would certainly shift them somewhere; it has to go.
“You cannot deny this city, Lagos, and the country in general from the use of their airport.
”When we demolished AIB building that belongs to us, some people said it was to move them to Abuja.
“They have never been in Lagos, their headquarters is in Abuja and if the entire country is to move to Abuja, what is small AIB of 200 people.
“I don’t need to demolish their building; if I say ‘go’ and he doesn’t go, I fire him, I appointed him, big deal.”
He further disclosed that the agencies had been directed to put together documents of all safety and security critical items that would make the industry more efficient and profitable for posterity, to form his handing over notes.
”Government is a serious business, if there is no government, we won’t be able to exist; so, what needs to be done will be done,” he reiterated.
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