THE Manager of the Yakubu Gowon Airport Jos, Plateau State Mr. Jim Opotu, yesterday disclosed that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has approved search mirror for the airport to tackle the security challenges at the airport. He said the mirror which will detect any lethal weapons in vehicles and on human beings, would arrive soon.
Opotu made this known while conducting journalists round the remodeled terminal building of the airport.
He lamented that there has been a sharp drop in passenger movement due to security threats all over the country. Last year, according to him, 82,393 passed through the airport compared to 50,612 this year owing to crises in the state.
He said FAAN is reluctant to shut down the airport completely so that it does not lose traffic to neighbouring airports.
The Project Engineer, Engineer Wasiu Lawal, the representative of Waland Services Limited, the construction firm handling the remodeling, told journalists that the departure and arrival wings of the airport will have to be expanded from the initial capacity of 250 to 700 passengers, adding that the conveyor belt too will have to be expanded to accommodate more goods.
Lawal added that the VIP Lounge and the Presidential Lounge will also be expanded to meet internationally acceptable standards. He expressed optimism that the entire construction project will be completed within the next three months.
The Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs of the airport, Mr. Itua Fred, earlier told journalists said that work on the remodeling is progressing rapidly.
“In addition to its aesthetics, the new terminal building will provide a relaxed atmosphere, comfort and smooth facilitation for passengers and airport users. It will also be commerce-friendly as more shops will be available.
“The remodeling of the terminal building has provided job opportunities for Plateau youths, especially the airport’s host communities which is in line with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s transformation agenda. Jos airport is one of the 11 terminal buildings undergoing remodeling across the country under the supervision of the Minister of Aviation, Princes Stella Adaeze Oduah,” he said.
