Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, says the state is developing the world’s longest airport runway as part of the continuing construction of the Obudu International Passenger and Cargo Airport in order to boost tourism and attract more visitors to the state.
He expressed confidence that the airport, which is located near the famed Obudu Mountain Resort, would be built in record time.
The governor, who provided a report on the building progress, stated:
“It is important for Nigerians to know why we are constructing the Obudu International Passenger and Cargo Airport in Obudu.
“We want to make the issue of tourism in Nigeria to start and end in Cross River State with Obudu Ranch Resort, Honeymoon Resort and the airport as a flagship.
“That is why we are building the airport with 5.6 runway, the longest in Nigeria to enable both tourism and business thrive around the ranch environment with the airport”
He added, “We started March 2021 and the stage we are now is impressive with major requirements on ground, and we are almost done in terms of other utilities like the observation tower which is at the last stage. The fire fighting and utility buildings are at the last stage and the main terminal building almost completed.
Ayade commended the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, for promising to support the cargo wing of the airport with facilities when operational.