The Kwara government will invest N1 billion in the purchase of aircrafts.

The Kwara State Government says it is putting various infrastructure in place, around its International Airport- which has the longest runway in the country-, to make the state a hub for aviation services in West Africa.

The State’s Commissioner for Works and Transport, Abubakar Kanike, stated this when the National Good Governance Tour Team inspected the International Aviation College, and Cargo Terminal, established within the airport in Ilorin.

Mr. Kanike said the State Government had spent N1.2 billion on the setting up of a world-class Aviation College while the sum of N1.9 billion was expended on the construction of the cargo terminal, making a total of N3.1 billion.

On the Aviation College, Mr. Kanike said the state government had provided modern facilities for Private Pilot Licence, and Commercial Pilot Licence, training as well as multi-engine qualification for the ICAO certified pilots. The commissioner also informed the team that plans are underway to invest N1 billion in the acquisition of 5 additional aircrafts to meet the growing demand for certified pilots in Africa.

He however solicited for the support of the Federal Government to enable the college achieve its expansion plan in order to complement the College of Aviation Zaria, which is the only institute providing aviation training in the country.

The team visited the simulator room, aircraft parking apron, classrooms, and other facilities; in addition to watching demonstration flights by the students. 24 students are currently undergoing training in the Aviation College.

While speaking during the tour of the Cargo Terminal, Mr. Kanike said the facility is being designed to accommodate two cargo aircraft that would discharge goods specifically designated for the northern part of the country.

In his remarks, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, said the Aviation College is a visionary initiative to complement manpower development for the Aviation Sector. He equally observed that the Cargo Terminal would provide impetus for the export of agricultural produce and empowerment of the citizens.