Red Star Boss Lauds FG on New Airports, Cargo Terminals

Mr. Sule Bichi, managing director, Red Star Express has lauded federal government’s decision to build five international airports and six international perishable cargo terminals in five states, saying that the projects, especially cargo terminals will impact positively on the courier industry.

Bichi told Nigeria CommunicatinsWeek in his office, “Definitely with the cargo terminals in our major airports it means that our businesses, traders and other industries can import or export from those locations directly. It is a sure way to minimize costs especially that most of the imports come through few airports and seaports”.

The Red Star Express boss described the project as timely and development oriented.

“If there are major points, especially international terminals, it means people can order goods straight from the country of origin of those goods and it will reduce costs of internal arrangements. Some of our exporters spend a lot in transporting their goods to different locations especially the perishable goods like agricultural products.

“If the cargo airlines are positioned, they can be transported to the point of export directly saving the products and time. In essence, developing more cargo terminals in Nigeria will increase the velocity of trade,” he added.

Stella Oduah, Aviation minister had recently, said the Federal Government (FG) plans to build five international airports and six international perishable cargo terminals in five states.

The projects will cost N106 billion.  She broke the news during a briefing with journalists in Abuja.

The beneficiary states are Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, Kano and Enugu.

 The Minister said the new terminals are categorised under the second phase of the aviation roadmap implementation strategy and the construction will be executed by a Chinese firm since the loan for the job was granted by the Chinese NEXIM Bank.

Oduah said: “As we travel round the world, we see and admire international airports in other countries and wish that our nation could boast of just one that can truly go by the name international airport. Today, following the approval of FEC, we have concluded arrangements to commence construction of not just one, but five brand new, world class international airports.

“The company that is doing the execution is a Chinese company. When the Chinese NEXIM or any country NEXIM gives a loan, that country’s contractor will have to do the execution. That is the process we follow.

“They will have to decide on who will do the awarding of the project, so ours is for Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to check if its in line with our regulation to ensure that the loan is in order. Once BPP gives no objection then we are free. Secondly, on what it will be spent upon, I want to say they are five international airports and six international perishable cargo terminals and all that is N106 billion all inclusive.”

Oduah described the initiative as part of moves to ensure a good travelling experience and will contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

She maintained that the vision is incorporated in the Aerotropolis initiative which serves as hub for airport cities providing clusters of businesses ranging from manufacturing, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), hospitality, recreation and retail trading.