FAAN Adopts PPP Model for 2.7 Hectares of Land for Construction of Cargo Village
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has declared that it would adopt the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for the 27,000 square meters, about 2.7 hectares of land secured for construction of cargo village, which would commence very soon.
The Managing Director, FAAN, Kabir Mohammed, disclosed this while speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony of the land at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos on Monday, adding that the agency was determined to ensure the country’s contribution to cargo export increased through its initiative.
Although Mohammed was silent on the private partners the agency intended to collaborate with on the construction of the cargo village, he dsiclosed that the cargo village would be used as processing and packaging, documentation centre and laboratory facilities.
He hinted that the decision to set up an Avia-Cargo Committee was taken by FAAN management in 2021 to tackle the challenges that hindered the country’s capacity to process enough cargo at the nation’s airports.
Mohammed lamented that despite the position of Nigeria and the enormous agricultural produce, Nigeria remained fifth on the continent among the exporters of cargo, but affirmed that with the new steps taken, Nigeria would be at the top of the cadre very soon.
According to him, the economic importance of cargo export could not be underestimated.
In his words: “This idea came after the avia-cargo congress and Nigeria has been regarded as the fifth on the continent and we are not fifth because we deserve to be the fifth, but because there are not many players in the industry that are exporting cargo.
“Ordinarily, we should be the number one player in Africa. So, those ideas put together brought this together. Cargo brings a lot of investments for the country.
“Establishing an avia-cargo village was identified as one of the quick wins in addressing the rejection of our avia-cargo exports, and thus, increasing our exports and earnings. By this ground-breaking ceremony taking place today (Monday), ladies and gentlemen, you can agree with me that FAAN management is truly determined to implement your recommendations with a view to taking the rightful number one position in avia-cargo exports in Africa within the next few years.
“This aviation cargo village will be a one-stop-centre aimed at addressing most challenges militating against massive avia-cargo exports in our country. It will have facilities for cargo processing, packaging, certification, laboratory services, data gathering for traceability of products and products, among others.”
Mohammed applauded the members of the Avia-Cargo Committee, led by Ambassador Ikechi Uko, its Coordinator, for its effort in achieving the feat.
On his part, Uko stated that the committee would invite all interested private investors to partner with FAAN on the project, adding that a few would be selected for the various projects.