CCECC builds ‘most beautiful airport terminal in Nigeria’
ABUJA — Pa Thomas Sekibo stood awestruck in front of the brand new international terminal at the Port Harcourt International Airport, a China-assisted project to boost Nigeria’s economic prosperity, ready to take a picture of the glittering building.
The 82-year-old retired aviation worker had earlier walked around the building with his grandson who guided him to the commissioning of the international airport terminal by President Muhammadu Buhari in October.
“This is not only an architectural masterpiece but a beauty to behold! I am glad this was built in my lifetime. It is a day of joy for me, I will rejoice and be glad in it,” Pa Sekibo said.
Owing to his age, Pa Sekibo’s voice was weak and his footsteps were slow. His movement inside and outside the building was aided by a walking stick, with his grandson showing him the way to go.
The infectious smile on Pa Sekibo’s face reflected a great feeling of joy as he walked past the high-tech facilities built inside the airport terminal. “As a former aviation worker, I can say this building will pass for the most beautiful airport terminal in Nigeria right now.
“This is not so different from what we see in other parts of the world. I’m looking forward to my next trip abroad, using this facility,” he said.
The international airport terminal project was executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation which is involved in many ongoing infrastructural projects, including rail and road construction in Nigeria.
Construction of the new $600million airport terminal in Port Harcourt, the country’s oil hub and capital of the southern state of Rivers, is expected to open more convenient air routes as well as contribute immensely to the economic and infrastructure development of Nigeria. The project was done in partnership with the Chinese government, involving a loan of $500 million from the Export-Import Bank of China and $100 million in counterpart funding from the Nigerian government.
The facility is one of four new international airport terminals built in the country’s major airports to modernize operation and passenger facilitation. It is to enable the Nigerian government to realize its set objective to elevate the aviation industry to meet international standards and for the sector to be one of the first 20 by 2020.
Travelers and users of the major airports in Nigeria have always complained about congestion, insufficient facilities, and outdated equipment, describing the airports as a disgrace for a country desirous of promoting tourism. The structure of the new two-story terminal building includes the apron, a cargo terminal building, external works, and other ancillary works.
Speaking at the well-attended commissioning of the new terminal on Oct 25, Buhari described the world-class facility as “a significant landmark” for international travelers in the most populous country in Africa.
He also said the construction of the international terminal came at the right time for Nigeria, as the federal government responded to a global trend in which aviation became a catalyst for economic growth as a result of massive and speedy movement of persons, goods, and services in a safe and secure manner.
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