Buhari Approves Four Airports As Special Economic Zones
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President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the designation of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State, as Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
By this development, these airports will enjoy the offerings of SEZs like tax incentives and a window to pay lower tariffs on businesses.
Minister of Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika, made the disclosure on Thursday via a post on his verified Twitter handle @hadisirika. He tweeted: “I am very glad to announce that Mr. President has approved our four international airports as Special Economic Zones. These are Lagos, Kano, Abuja & Port Harcourt. Our roadmap working.”
The Nigerian civil aviation roadmap, as designed by the ministry, includes the establishment of a national carrier, establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, concession of some airports, the establishment of an Aviation Leasing Company, among others.
According to Sirika, the reforms contained in the aviation roadmap will lay a solid and lasting foundation for aviation development in Nigeria.
The minister added that safety and security have remained at the centre of government policies in the aviation sector since the inception of the current administration and its efforts have been applauded by all, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).
