by Christiana Gokyo, Jos 

JOS – Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation has been called upon to look into the runway expansion of Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang, near Jos, which has been adjudged to have a lot of economic advantages as agricultural produce, especially the exotic and unique fresh products on the Plateau, which can be exported directly or distributed locally.

The Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District and former Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, has continued in his advocacy and lobby for federal projects in the State, as more MDAs appear before the Senate to defend their 2025 budget submissions. 

Senator Lalong, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Aviation, on Wednesday took on the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on the expansion of the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang, Jos, which has already been designated as an International Cargo Airport since the last administration. 

While regretting that, since the designation of the Heipang Airport as an international cargo airport – with focus on agricultural produce, he explained that the desire of government has not taken off due to the lack of upgrade, particularly expansion of the runway to accommodate wider aircrafts. 

According to him, the Hon. Minister should not forget that he was the driver of this campaign as their DG where they worked tirelessly to ensure the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting, “Today, we are implementing the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’ 

“Please, look into the airport runway expansion, which has a lot of economic advantage as agricultural produce, especially that the exotic and unique fresh products on the Plateau can be exported directly or distributed locally. As DG, don’t let me go empty-handed when I have you there, since we suffered together during the campaigns,” he stated.

Lalong also recalled when he made efforts to airlift pilgrims directly to the Holy Land from the Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang during the 2022 National Christian Pilgrimage but the lack of an expanded runway made it impossible for bigger aircrafts to land and take off.

He also challenged the Aviation Minister and the agencies under him to continue to prioritize safety and comfort of air travellers in management of the sector. 

Earlier, Senator Lalong was special guest of honour at an event by telecommunications giant, GLO, to present prizes to winners of one of its raffle draws, during which he congratulated the winners to have been the lucky ones. 

Lalong commended the company for “doing well” to perform its corporate social responsibility and touch the lives of its customers. 

By MbNewss

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *